A patient is brought to the ER for treatment of injuries received ...

[imowrer]

A patient is brought to the ER for treatment of injuries received in a motor vehicle accident. An MRI reveals spinal cord injury, and his body temperature fluctuates markedly. The most accurate explanation of this phenomenon is that:
 
  a. he developed pneumonia.
  b. his sympathetic nervous system has been damaged.
  c. he has a brain injury.
  d. he has septicemia from an unknown source.

Question 2

A CT scan reveals that a patient has an open basilar skull fracture. Which major complication should the nurse observe for in this patient?
 
  a. Hematoma formation
  b. Meningeal infection
  c. Increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
  d. Cognitive deficits

[InfiniteSteez]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The patient experiences disturbed thermal control because the sympathetic nervous system is damaged. The hypothalamus cannot regulate body heat through vasoconstriction and increased metabolism; therefore, the individual assumes the temperature of the air. In this situation there is no evidence to support the presence of pneumonia, brain injury, or septicemia.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Individuals with an open basilar skull fractures should be observed for meningitis. Such a basilar skull fracture does not increase a patient's risk for hematoma formation, ICP, or cognitive defi-cits.

[imowrer]

YES! Correct, THANKS for helping me on my review

[shewald78]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it