A 35-year-old client with a cervical injury is provided with a halo device to stabilize the neck. What measures must the nurse employ when caring for a client with this type of device?
A) Place the client in an antidecubitus bed, if possible.
B) Tighten the halo device with a wrench if it loosens.
C) Monitor the client for any difficulty in swallowing.
D) Instruct the client to stay in bed until the injury heals.
C
Feedback:
Clients treated with the halo device are frequently monitored for complaints of difficulty in swallowing because this indicates signs that the vertical bar of the device is too long. The halo device allows the client to ambulate and perform self-care activities, and thus there is no need to place the client in an antidecubitus bed. There is also no need for the client to stay in bed and remain immobile until the injury heals. If the halo device loosens, the nurse should not tighten it using a wrench. This should be reported to the healthcare provider for necessary action.
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