A nurse is in the emergency department (ED) and is caring for a client that has arrived by ambulance after a cervical spinal cord injury. Which assessment should be the priority for the nurse to perform at this time?
Assess the client's respiratory status and airway patency.
Assess the client's extremity strength and sensation.
Assess the client's pain level and provide pain management.
Assess the client's level of consciousness and orientation.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Assessing respiratory status and airway patency is the highest priority in this situation due to the risk of respiratory compromise from cervical spinal cord injuries, which can affect the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles.
B. While assessing extremity strength and sensation is important, it comes after ensuring the client’s airway and breathing are stable.
C. Pain management is essential, but addressing immediate life-threatening conditions takes precedence over pain assessment.
D. Assessing the client's level of consciousness is crucial for overall evaluation but does not take priority over ensuring adequate respiratory function in the context of a cervical spinal cord injury.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Lowering the client's legs is not effective in managing autonomic dysreflexia and may not alleviate the cause of the high blood pressure.
B. Checking for a full bladder is the priority because bladder distension is a common trigger for autonomic dysreflexia in clients with spinal cord injuries, and relieving it can reduce the severe hypertensive response.
C. Antihypertensives may be used if non-pharmacological measures fail, but addressing the cause is the first action.
D. Pain medication is not indicated as the immediate intervention for autonomic dysreflexia, as the priority is identifying and removing the trigger.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
A. Hypertension can occur due to autonomic dysreflexia, especially in clients with cervical spinal cord injuries, as they may have exaggerated sympathetic responses.
B. A weakened gag reflex can result from cranial nerve involvement due to the cervical spinal cord injury, impacting the client's ability to protect their airway.
C. Absence of bowel sounds may indicate bowel immobility or dysfunction; however, it is not a direct complication of a cervical spinal cord injury.
D. Bradycardia is a common finding in cervical spinal cord injuries due to impaired sympathetic nervous system function, leading to decreased heart rate.
E. Tachycardia is less common in cervical injuries and is typically associated with lower injuries in the spinal cord.