A nurse on the neurologic unit is providing care for a patient who has spinal cord injury at the level of C4. When planning the patient's care, what aspect of the patient's neurologic and functional status should the nurse consider?
A) The patient will be unable to use a wheelchair.
B) The patient will be unable to swallow food.
C) The patient will be continent of urine, but incontinent of bowel.
D) The patient will require full assistance for all aspects of elimination.
Ans: D
Feedback:
Patients with a lesion at C4 are fully dependent for elimination. The patient is dependent for feeding, but is able to swallow. The patient will be capable of using an electric wheelchair.
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A patient who is on a ventilator has been declared brain dead. A family member asks the nurse how the heart can still function if his father's brain is dead. What statement is an appropriate response by the nurse?
A) "Death of the heart will follow brain death in a few hours." B) "The heart is controlled by the brainstem, not the upper levels of the brain." C) "The cardiovascular center in the medulla would not be reflected in any tests." D) "The heart is self-controlled and does not depend on the brain to beat."
Amnioinfusion is used to treat:
1. variable decelerations. 2. late decelerations. 3. fetal bradycardia. 4. fetal tachycardia.
Severe hypocalcemia can cause:
1. Diarrhea. 2. Increased blood glucose. 3. Headaches. 4. Heart arrhythmias.
Children who are hospitalized may view hospitalization as
A) The work of the devil B) Punishment for wrongdoing C) A lack of faith in God D) Poor parental bonding