Reference no: EM133656796

Problem: While on spring break in Daytona Beach, 20 year old Abram Artino fell from a second floor balcony onto a cement pool deck. Friends report he had consumed at least six beers prior to the accident. He struck his lateral head and left shoulder at an odd angle. At the scene, paramedics noted Abram had an adequate airway. They placed a rigid collar around the neck and secured him to a lift board with sandbags on each side of his head. In the emergency department, Abram was given methylprednisolone 30 mg/kg over one hour with additional doses ordered over the next 24 hours to be given in the ICU. He was also given an IV dose of ranitidine (Zantac). Imaging studies showed a fracture of the C5 cervical vertebrae with compression of the spinal cord. Explain the priority considerations for excellent nursing care of this patient including nursing assessment and care for autonomic dysreflexia.