HESI Case Study Spinal Cord Injury Guaranteed Success
Initial Scenario: Injury and Immediate Response
Client Scenario: A 20-year-old college student sustains a neck injury while playing football, resulting in
an inability to move his arms or legs but remains alert and communicative.
What should his friends do while waiting for emergency personnel? (Select all)
1. Place a blanket over him and make sure no one moves him.
2. Ensure that the scene around him is safe and that he is not in any immediate danger.
These actions help to prevent further injury and ensure safety until medical personnel arrive.
Airway Management
If respiratory compromise occurs, the nurse should:
- Perform the jaw-thrust technique.
The jaw-thrust technique is used to maintain airway patency without moving the spine further.
Lab Results and Prioritization
Which lab result requires immediate reporting to the healthcare provider?
- Respiratory acidosis with marked hypoxia.
This condition suggests severe respiratory distress, which is critical and needs urgent attention.
Assessment Priority
, Based on the client's limited physical movement after the accident, the nurse's highest priority
intervention is:
- Assess the client's breathing pattern and his ability to cough.
Respiratory function is paramount, especially in a potential spinal cord injury.
Pre-Procedure Questions for CT with Contrast
Questions to ask prior to administering intravenous contrast include:
1. What happens when the client eats shellfish (crustaceans)?
2. Does the client have an allergy to iodine?
These questions are relevant for assessing potential allergic reactions to the contrast material.
MRI Procedure Information
Information to obtain prior to MRI:
1. Is the client claustrophobic or afraid of closed-in, small places?
2. Does the client have any metal piercings on his body or metal implants?
Necessary to ensure the client can tolerate the MRI and verify there are no contraindications due to
metal.
Immediate Interventions in Emergency Department
Assessment data warranting immediate intervention include:
1. The client's blood pressure is 80/45, and his pulse is 48.
This indicates potential shock and requires prompt evaluation and treatment.
Initial Scenario: Injury and Immediate Response
Client Scenario: A 20-year-old college student sustains a neck injury while playing football, resulting in
an inability to move his arms or legs but remains alert and communicative.
What should his friends do while waiting for emergency personnel? (Select all)
1. Place a blanket over him and make sure no one moves him.
2. Ensure that the scene around him is safe and that he is not in any immediate danger.
These actions help to prevent further injury and ensure safety until medical personnel arrive.
Airway Management
If respiratory compromise occurs, the nurse should:
- Perform the jaw-thrust technique.
The jaw-thrust technique is used to maintain airway patency without moving the spine further.
Lab Results and Prioritization
Which lab result requires immediate reporting to the healthcare provider?
- Respiratory acidosis with marked hypoxia.
This condition suggests severe respiratory distress, which is critical and needs urgent attention.
Assessment Priority
, Based on the client's limited physical movement after the accident, the nurse's highest priority
intervention is:
- Assess the client's breathing pattern and his ability to cough.
Respiratory function is paramount, especially in a potential spinal cord injury.
Pre-Procedure Questions for CT with Contrast
Questions to ask prior to administering intravenous contrast include:
1. What happens when the client eats shellfish (crustaceans)?
2. Does the client have an allergy to iodine?
These questions are relevant for assessing potential allergic reactions to the contrast material.
MRI Procedure Information
Information to obtain prior to MRI:
1. Is the client claustrophobic or afraid of closed-in, small places?
2. Does the client have any metal piercings on his body or metal implants?
Necessary to ensure the client can tolerate the MRI and verify there are no contraindications due to
metal.
Immediate Interventions in Emergency Department
Assessment data warranting immediate intervention include:
1. The client's blood pressure is 80/45, and his pulse is 48.
This indicates potential shock and requires prompt evaluation and treatment.
