Spinal Cord Injury NCLEX Practice Questions

4. When assessing the client with a cord transection above T5 for possible complications, which complication is least likely to occur? A. Diarrhea B. Paralytic ileus C. Stress ulcers D. Intra-abdominal bleeding

A. Diarrhea

9. As a first step in teaching a woman with a SCI and quadriplegia (tetraplegia) about her sexual health, the nurse assesses her understanding of her current sexual functioning. Which statement by the client indicates she understands her current ability? A. "I will not be able to have sexual intercourse until the urinary catheter is removed." B. "I can participate in sexual activity but might not experience orgasm." C. "I cannot have sexual intercourse because it causes hypertension, but other sexual activity is okay." D. "I should be able to participate in sexual activity, but I will be infertile."

B. "I can participate in sexual activity but might not experience orgasm."

3. When the client has a cord transection at T4 the nurse should focus the assessment on: A. Renal status. B. Vascular status. C. Gastrointestinal function. D. Biliary function.

B. Vascular status.

8. The client with a spinal cord injury asks the nurse why the dietitian has recommended to decrease the total daily intake of calcium. Which response by the nurse would provide the most accurate information? A. "Excessive intake of dairy products makes constipation more common." B. "Immobility increases calcium absorption from the intestine." C. "Lack of weight bearing causes demineralization of the long bones." D. "Dairy products likely will contribute to weight gain."

C. "Lack of weight bearing causes demineralization of the long bones."

10. A client with a spinal cord injury who has been active in sports and outdoor activities talks obsessively about his past activities. In tears, one day he asks the nurse, "Why am I unable to stop talking about these things? I know those days are gone forever. Which response by the nurse conveys the best understanding of the client's behavior? A. "Be patient. It takes time to adjust to such a massive loss." B. "Talking about the past is a form of denial. We have to help you focus on today." C. "Reviewing your losses is a way to help you work through grief and loss." D. "It is a simple escape mechanism to go back and live again in happier times."

C. "Reviewing your losses is a way to help you work through grief and loss."

6. During the period of spinal shock, the nurse should expect the client's bladder function to be: A. Spastic B. Normal C. Atonic D. Uncontrolled

C. Atonic

2. The nurse is caring for client with spinal cord injury. The client is experiencing blurred vision and has a blood pressure of 204/102 mm Hg. What should the nurse do first? A. Position the client on the left side. B. Control the environment by turning the lights off and decreasing stimulation for the client. C. Check the client's bladder for distention. D. Administer pain medications.

C. Check the client's bladder for distention.

1. When planning to move a person with a possible spinal cord injury, the nurse should direct the team to: A. limit movement of the arms by wrapping them next to the body. B. Move the person gently to help reduce pain. C. Immobilize the head and neck to prevent further injury. D. Cushion the back with pillows to ensure comfort.

C. Immobilize the head and neck to prevent further injury.

7. After one month of therapy, the client in spinal shock begins to experience muscle spasms in the legs and calls the nurse in excitement to report the leg movement. Which response by the nurse would be the most accurate? A. "These movements indicate that the damaged nerves are healing." B. "This is a good sign. Keep trying to move all the affected muscles." C. "The return of movement means that eventually you should be able to walk again." D. "The movement occur from muscle reflexes that cannot be initiated or controlled by the brain."

D. "The movement occur from muscle reflexes that cannot be initiated or controlled by the brain."

5. Which is the best method to assess for the development of a deep vein thrombosis in a client with a spinal cord injury? A. Homan's sign B. Pain C. Tenderness D. Leg girth

D. Leg girth