Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

In the context of a C7 spinal cord injury, the patient is likely experiencing neurogenic shock, which can lead to autonomic dysregulation. Bradycardia and sweating are signs that may indicate a potential complication such as a full bladder, which can stimulate the autonomic nervous system and exacerbate these symptoms.

By palpating the patient's bladder, the nurse can assess for urinary retention, which is a common issue following spinal cord injuries. If the bladder is distended, this finding would guide immediate interventions, such as catheterization, to relieve the pressure and possibly alleviate the bradycardia and sweating.

The other actions, while they may be necessary at different points in the patient's care, do not address the immediate need to assess for causes of bradycardia. Lying the patient flat could be considered if there were concerns about hypotension, but it does not directly assess the potential for a distended bladder. Covering the patient with a blanket may help with comfort but doesn't address the underlying issue, and performing a rectal examination is not the priority when bradycardia is present and the potential for bladder distension exists. The first step should be to evaluate the bladder to manage the situation effectively.