An Emergency Department nurse is admitting a client brought in by the paramedics after falling from a tree stand. The client has fractured vertebrae at T3 and T4. The nurse knows the client is in the acute phase of neurologic deficit. What should the nurse know about the medical management of this client?
A) Goal is to keep the client stable and prevent or treat complications, such as pneumonia, and further neurologic impairment.
B) Goal is to plan a rehabilitation program in several domains according to the client's abilities and limitations.
C) Goal is to admit the client to a hospital for treatment of complications.
D) Goal is to stabilize the client and prevent further neurologic damage.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should know that the goal of medical management in the acute phase of neurologic deficit in a client with fractured vertebrae is to stabilize the client and prevent further neurologic damage. Other goals, such as planning a rehabilitation program or treating complications, may come later in the client's treatment but are not the priority in the acute phase.

An Emergency Department Nurse Is Admitting a Client Brought in by the Paramedics