A patient, admitted with a spinal cord injury, has severe cord edema. The diagnostic test that would be most helpful to determine the extent of the cord edema would be
1. CT scan.
2. MRI.
3. angiography.
4. somatosensory evoked potentials.
2
Rationale: The MRI has greater sensitivity than a CT scan for diagnosing contusions, hematomas, and edema. The diagnostic test that would be the most helpful for this patient would be the MRI. The angiography is useful for patients with complex cervical spine fractures involving subluxation, extension into the foramen transversarium, or upper C1 to C3 fractures. Somatosensory-evoked potentials are used to establish a functional prognosis after resolution of spinal cord edema.
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The nursing student is observing the LPN/LVN performing auscultation during a physical examination. Areas of the body for which auscultation is appropriate include the: Standard Text: Select all that apply
1. Heart. 2. Abdomen. 3. Skull. 4. Neck. 5. Hands.
On the first day following a severe burn, the body's fluid reserves have left the circulating volume and entered the interstitial space, causing massive edema. What should the nurse monitor for very closely in the burn victim?
a. Increasing intracranial pressure b. Reduced urine output c. Eschar formation d. Fluid overload
Approximately eight hours ago, Juanita, a 32-year-old G1, TPAL 1001, gave birth after two and one-half hours of pushing. She required an episiotomy and an assisted birth (forceps) due to the weight and size of her baby (9lb.–9oz.)
The perinatal nurse is performing an assessment of Juanita's perineal area. A slight bulge is palpated and the presence of ecchymoses to the right of the episiotomy is noted. The area feels "full" and is approximately 4 cm. in diameter. Juanita describes this area as "tender". The most likely cause of these signs and symptoms is: A) Hematoma formation B) Sepsis in the episiotomy site C) Inadequate repair of the episiotomy D) Postpartum hemorrhage
Which comments would the nurse interpret as indicating that a high school athlete understands the risks of using anabolic steroids?
1. "The only legal way I can take these drugs is if I inject them myself." 2. "Once I stop taking these drugs, my body will return to normal." 3. "As long as my coach says these drugs are okay, they won't hurt me." 4. "I might become mentally dependent on these drugs." 5. "If I take ibuprofen with these drugs it will protect me from bad side effects."