Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 63%
Simulated
The Emergency Department nurse is expecting a patient with a spinal cord transection at C1. Which of the following assessments take priority upon the patient's arrival? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Correct answer
A,C,E
Rationale
Blood pressure monitoring is essential, as spinal cord injuries at high levels can cause disruptions in autonomic regulation, leading to significant blood pressure fluctuations. Heart rate is critical as high spinal cord injuries can impact cardiac function by affecting autonomic control, potentially leading to bradycardia. Respirations are a priority, as a C1 spinal cord injury can compromise respiratory function, necessitating immediate assessment to ensure adequate oxygenation and airway management.