A client with a spinal cord injury is at risk for complications to the gastrointestinal system. The nursing intervention primarily directed at minimizing this risk is:
1. Insertion of a nasogastric tube.
2. Administration of a lansoprazole (Prevacid).
3. Elevating the end of the bed to 35 degrees.
4. Regular assessment of the client's bowel sounds.
Insertion of a nasogastric tube.
Rationale: Gastrointestinal effects of spinal shock include gastroparesis, loss of intestinal peristalsis, and ileus. Placement of a nasogastric or oral gastric tube will be necessary in the acute phase of SCI for decompression of the stomach. Prevacid is a proton pump inhibiter that is used in the treatment of GERD. Elevating the head of the bed is appropriate once the nasogastric tube has been placed. Regular assessment of bowel sounds will help determine the presence or absence of peristalsis.
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