The nurse in the emergency department is preparing to administer ...

[shenderson6]

The nurse in the emergency department is preparing to administer methylprednisolone to a client with a spinal cord injury. Which effect will this medication have on the client?
 
  A) Cause an increase in blood glucose level
  B) Improve the level of consciousness
  C) Prevent cord damage from ischemia and edema
  D) Improve the ability to be adequately ventilated

Question 2

The nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to address a client's bowel and bladder dysfunction as a result of a spinal cord injury. Which finding would indicate that the interventions have been successful?
 
  A) The client had two episodes of impacted stool over the last week.
  B) The client is improving in ability to perform self-urinary catheterization.
  C) The client is limiting fluids to reduce need to void.
  D) The client has an indwelling urinary catheter and is provided with stool softeners every morning.

[Jossy]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: C

High-dose steroid protocol using methylprednisolone must be implemented within 8 hours of the injury to improve neurologic recovery. Clinical research indicates that the use of this adrenocorticosteroi d is effective in preventing secondary spinal cord damage from edema and ischemia. This medication may cause hyperglycemia if the client also has a diagnosis of diabetes. This medication is not provided to improve respirations or improve the level of consciousness.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: B

An ideal outcome for the client with bowel and bladder dysfunction as a result of a spinal cord injury would be for the client to attain appropriate bowel and bladder elimination habits. If the client's ability to perform self-urinary catheterization is improving, the interventions can be considered successful. The client with an indwelling urinary catheter receiving stool softeners every morning is not progressing toward bowel and bladder elimination habits. The client who had two episodes of impacted stool over the last week is not progressing in bowel elimination habits. The client who is limiting fluids to reduce the need to void is possibly hindering his health in order to avoid having to perform self-urinary catheterization.

[shenderson6]

TYSM

[Sarahjh]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it