Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Practice Exam

What is essential for nursing care to anticipate in patients who have suffered an acute spinal cord injury?

1. Administer oral medications only

2. Support respiratory function and stability

3. Perform complete bed rest for life

4. Encourage family to detach emotionally

The correct answer is: Support respiratory function and stability

Supporting respiratory function and stability is essential in the nursing care of patients who have suffered an acute spinal cord injury because these injuries can significantly impact the mechanisms of breathing and overall respiratory function. The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the muscles involved in respiration, and injuries above the level of the sixth cervical vertebra can lead to respiratory muscle paralysis or impaired breathing patterns. Close monitoring of respiratory status, including oxygen saturation and the ability to clear secretions, is critical. Interventions may include providing supplemental oxygen, assisting with breathing exercises, and being prepared for airway management if necessary. Maintaining effective respiratory function is crucial to prevent complications such as atelectasis, pneumonia, or respiratory failure, which can further complicate the patient's condition. Other options do not align with the critical necessities of acute spinal cord injury management. For instance, administering oral medications poses challenges such as the inability to swallow in some patients, while complete bed rest for life is overly restrictive and usually not appropriate given the importance of rehabilitation. Encouraging emotional detachment in families is also counterproductive, as emotional support is vital for both the patient and family during recovery.