The nurse is caring for a patient in spinal shock.Vital signs include blood pressure 100/70 mm Hg,heart rate 70 beats/min,respirations 24 breaths/min,oxygen saturation 95% on room air,and an oral temperature of 94.8° F.Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the patient's plan of care?
A) Administration of atropine sulfate (Atropine)
B) Application of 100% oxygen via face mask
C) Application of slow rewarming measures
D) Infusion of IV phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hypothermia can develop in neurogenic shock from uncontrolled heat loss; therefore,a patient should be rewarmed slowly to avoid further vasodilation.In shock,a drop in systolic blood pressure to less than 90 mm Hg is considered hypotensive.Atropine is used for symptomatic bradycardia.The patient's oxygen saturation is 95% on room air with an adequate respiratory rate.The application of 100% oxygen via face mask is not indicated.The patient's heart rate is adequate to support a normal blood pressure.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient in Spinal Shock