ATI LPN
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017)
Chapter 68 : Management of Patients with Neurologic Trauma Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is providing health education to a patient who has a C6 spinal cord injury. The patient asks why autonomic dysreflexia is considered an emergency. What would be the nurses best answer?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Autonomic dysreflexia's hypertensive crisis risks cerebral hemorrhage or increased ICP, making it an emergency. It does not directly damage nerves or increase muscle tone.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse caring for a patient with a spinal cord injury notes that the patient is exhibiting early signs and symptoms of disuse syndrome. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Increasing ROM exercise frequency prevents disuse syndrome by maintaining joint mobility. Limiting ADLs or immobilizing extremities worsens disuse, and education alone is insufficient.
Question 3 of 5
Splints have been ordered for a patient who is at risk of developing footdrop following a spinal cord injury. The nurse caring for this patient knows that the splints are removed and reapplied when?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Splints for footdrop are removed and reapplied every 2 hours to maintain alignment and allow skin inspection. Other schedules are not standard.
Question 4 of 5
A patient who is being treated in the hospital for a spinal cord injury is advocating for the removal of his urinary catheter, stating that he wants to try to resume normal elimination. What principle should guide the care teams decision regarding this intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Urinary retention risks autonomic dysreflexia and trauma in SCI patients, guiding cautious catheter removal. Urinary function loss depends on injury level, and catheters do not damage nerves.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with spinal cord injury is ready to be discharged home. A family member asks the nurse to review potential complications one more time. What are the potential complications that should be monitored for in this patient? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: SCI patients are at risk for orthostatic hypotension, autonomic dysreflexia, and DVT due to immobility and autonomic dysfunction. Salt-wasting and increased ICP are not typical complications.