A Patient with a C5 Spinal Cord Injury Is Tetraplegic

Multiple Choice

A patient with a C5 spinal cord injury is tetraplegic. After being moved out of the ICU, the patient complains of a severe throbbing headache. What should the nurse do first?

A) Check the patients indwelling urinary catheter for kinks to ensure patency.
B) Lower the HOB to improve perfusion.
C) Administer analgesia.
D) Reassure the patient that headaches are expected after spinal cord injuries.