A patient is admitted with possible botulism poisoning after ...

[Jkov05]

A patient is admitted with possible botulism poisoning after eating home-canned green beans. Which intervention ordered by health care provider will the nurse question?
 
  a. Encourage oral fluids to 3 L/day
  b. Document neurologic symptoms
  c. Position patient lying on the side
  d. Observe respiratory status closely

Question 2

A patient has an incomplete left spinal cord lesion at the level of T7, resulting in Brown-Squard syndrome. Which nursing action should be included in the plan of care?
 
  a. Assessment of the patient for right arm weakness
  b. Assessment of the patient for increased right leg pain
  c. Positioning the patient's left leg when turning the patient
  d. Teaching the patient to look at the right leg to verify its position

[thall411]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The patient should be maintained on NPO status because neuromuscular weakness increases risk for aspiration. Side-lying position is not contraindicated. Assessment of neurologic and respiratory status is appropriate.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The patient with Brown-Squard syndrome has loss of motor function on the ipsilateral side and will require the nurse to move the left leg. Pain sensation will be lost on the patient's right leg. Arm weakness will not be a problem for a patient with a T7 injury. The patient will retain position sense for the right leg.

[Jkov05]

Excellent

[olderstudent]

TYSM