A patient with a spinal cord injury is recovering from spinal shock. The nurse realizes that the patient should not develop a full bladder because what emergency condition can occur if it is not corrected quickly?
1. autonomic dysreflexia
2. autonomic crisis
3. autonomic shutdown
4. autonomic failure
Question 2The nurse is preparing an educational session about spinal cord injury (SCI) prevention for a community group. What patient example should the nurse use to explain the risk factors for this type of injury?
1. 18-year-old male with a prior arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI)
2. 28-year-old female with a history of substance abuse
3. 50-year-old female with osteoporosis
4. 35-year-old male who coaches a soccer team
Question 3The nurse is planning care for a patient recovering from spinal fusion surgery. What should the nurse identify as goals of care for this patient?
Select all that apply.
1. maximizing comfort
2. controlling pain
3. promoting body alignment
4. preventing injury
5. promoting nutritional intake
Question 4A patient with a spinal cord injury (SCI) is admitted to the unit and placed in traction. Which actions should the nurse include when caring for this patient?
Select all that apply.
1. modifying the traction weights as needed
2. assessing the patient's skin integrity
3. applying the traction upon admission
4. administering pain medication
5. providing passive range of motion
Question 5A patient with a spinal cord injury was given IV dexamethasone (Decadron) after arriving in the emergency department. What assessment finding should the nurse attribute to the steroid medication?
1. hypoglycemia
2. less spinal shock
3. urinary retention
4. muscle spasms
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