A nurse witnesses a motor vehicle accident (MVA) while off duty. ...

[clippers!]

A nurse witnesses a motor vehicle accident (MVA) while off duty. Upon approaching the scene, the nurse observes a victim lying on the ground after being ejected from the vehicle.
 
  Arrange the actions the nurse should take in the correct order, starting with the first. All options must be used.
 
  Choice 1. Check the victim's breathing.
  Choice 2. Check the victim's pulse.
  Choice 3. Check the victim's airway.
  Choice 4. Immobilize the spine.
  Choice 5. Check for the victim's responsiveness.

Question 2

A hospitalized patient with a C7 cord injury yells, I can't feel my legs anymore. Which is the most appropriate action by the nurse?
 
  1. remind the patient of her injury and try to comfort her
  2. call the healthcare provider and get an order for radiologic evaluation
  3. prepare the patient for surgery, as her condition is worsening
  4. explain to the patient that this could be a common, temporary problem

[scottmt]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 5, 3, 1, 2, 4
In an emergency situation, the nurse first assesses the patient's level of consciousness during the primary survey of CPR. All people who have sustained trauma to the head or spine, or who are unconscious, should be treated as though they have a spinal cord injury. Prehospital management includes rapid assessment of the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) and then immobilizing and stabilizing the head and neck.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Spinal shock is a condition almost half the people with acute spinal injury experience. It is characterized by a temporary loss of reflex function below level of injury and includes the following symptomatology: flaccid paralysis of skeletal muscles, loss of sensation below the injury, possibly bowel and bladder dysfunction, and loss of ability to perspire below the injury level. The nurse should explain to the patient what is happening. The healthcare provider does not need to be contacted. Radiologic evaluation is not necessary and surgery is not indicated.

[clippers!]

Thank you

[scottmt]

No problemo