Author Question: A client experiencing tetraplegia is in the emergency department. The nurse has started an IV line, ... (Read 64 times)

dakota nelson · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A client experiencing tetraplegia is in the emergency department. The nurse has started an IV line, and anticipates administering:

1. pain medication.
2. a high dose of Solu-Medrol.
3. antibiotics.
4. anti-anxiety agents.

Question 2

A client who is recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is to be discharged home. The nurse should teach the family to:

1. monitor the client's urine output at home.
2. check the client's level of consciousness frequently.
3. check bony prominences and reposition the client every 2 hours.
4. serve the client a high red meat diet.

zogaridan · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 2

1. The client with tetraplegia does not have feeling below the level of the injury, so pain medication is not a priority.
2. Solu-Medrol is given in large doses because the body's inflammatory response to the injury could cause more damage to the spinal cord.
3. Antibiotics are not routinely given unless there are wounds that are open and filled with dirt and pebbles.
4. Anti-anxiety agents might be given after the client leaves the emergency department, but along with pain medications, these medications can affect the respiratory system and make neurological assessment difficult.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 3

1. It is not necessary to monitor the client's urine output, but the family is encouraged to provide good hydration.
2. Clients with ALS maintain their mental acuity.
3. The client is usually bedridden, and should be turned every 2 hours and monitored for breakdown on bony prominences.
4. Clients with ALS lose their ability to swallow, and could aspirate on pieces of meat.