A patient is admitted to the trauma unit with the diagnosis of spinal cord injury resulting from an ATV accident.The health care provider has diagnosed the patient as a paraplegic.Which of the following is one of the most important topics for patient teaching to prevent further injury to the patient?

A) Reminding him that he can be injured and not feel pain below his waist
B) Suggesting that his parents purchase a motorized wheelchair to prevent arm muscle strain
C) Reminding the patient to decrease fluid intake due to lack of mobility
D) Reminding the patient to drink plenty of fluids to maintain hydration

Question

stella shotkoski · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A, Explanation :  Some patients such as those with spinal cord injuries are unable to sense painful stimuli.You must take special precautions to protect them from additional injury.Safety is the number one priority for this patient due to lack of sensation and movement in the lower extremities.Providing precautions against taking too much pain medication and reminding the patient to drink plenty of fluids to maintain hydration are important interventions.Determination of which type of wheelchair the patient will need would be determined by the health care team closer to discharge.Pain processes require an intact peripheral nervous system and spinal cord.Common factors that disrupt the pain experience include trauma,drugs,tumor growth,and metabolic disorders.

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