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 C
Explanation
A. Feeling fatigued is not indicative of a therapeutic response; rather, patients should experience increased energy levels with appropriate therapy.
B. Decreased thyroxine levels are not the primary goal of levothyroxine therapy, which aims to normalize thyroid hormone levels in the body.
C. Decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels indicate that the body is responding well to levothyroxine, as TSH production decreases when thyroid hormone levels are adequate.
D. Bradycardia and hypotension are not desired effects of levothyroxine and indicate potential under-treatment or other issues rather than a therapeutic response.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Baked fish is rich in iodine, which supports thyroid function and can be beneficial for clients with hypothyroidism. Iodine is necessary for thyroid hormone production.
B. Tuna salad may contain iodine, but it is not as reliable a source as baked fish and may also contain added fats.
C. Bran flakes are high in fiber, which can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medications.
D. Cantaloupe, while nutritious, does not provide significant levels of iodine or nutrients that directly support thyroid function.