A 39-year-old patient with a suspected herniated intervertebral ...

[CharlieWard]

A 39-year-old patient with a suspected herniated intervertebral disc is scheduled for a myelogram. Which information is most important for the nurse to communicate to the health care provider before the procedure?
 
  a. The patient is anxious about the test.
  b. The patient has an allergy to shellfish.
  c. The patient has back pain when lying flat.
  d. The patient drank apple juice 4 hours earlier.

Question 2

The priority nursing assessment for a 72-year-old patient being admitted with a brainstem infarction is
 
  a. reflex reaction time.
  b. pupil reaction to light.
  c. level of consciousness.
  d. respiratory rate and rhythm.

[jaymee143]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Iodine-containing contrast medium is injected into the subarachnoid space during a myelogram. The health care provider may need to modify the postmyelogram orders to prevent back pain, but this can be done after the procedure. Clear liquids are usually considered safe up to 4 hours before a diagnostic or surgical procedure. The patient's anxiety should be addressed, but this is not as important as the iodine allergy.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Vital centers that control respiration are located in the medulla, and these are the priority assessments because changes in respiratory function may be life threatening. The other information will also be collected by the nurse, but it is not as urgent.

[CharlieWard]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[olderstudent]

Excellent