A client admitted after a motor vehicle accident arrives with a Glasgow coma score (GCS) of 14 with a mild headache. 4 hours later, the client's GCS has decreased to 10, and now has a dilated pupil on the left side. Which of the following acute traumatic brain injuries does the nurse suspect the client has suffered?

Laceration

Acute subdural hematoma

Intracerebral hemorrhage

Epidural hematoma

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because laceration is not an acute traumatic brain injury, but a type of wound that involves tearing or cutting of the skin or other tissues. Laceration can occur as a result of a motor vehicle accident, but it does not cause changes in the GCS or pupil size. The nurse should assess the client's skin for any signs of laceration, such as bleeding, swelling, or infection.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because acute subdural hematoma is not likely to cause a dilated pupil on the left side. Acute subdural hematoma is a type of traumatic brain injury that involves bleeding between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater, which are two layers of the meninges that cover the brain. An acute subdural hematoma can cause a rapid decrease in the GCS, but it usually causes a dilated pupil on the same side as the injury, not on the opposite side.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because intracerebral hemorrhage is not likely to cause a dilated pupil on the left side. Intracerebral hemorrhage is a type of traumatic brain injury that involves bleeding within the brain tissue itself. Intracerebral hemorrhage can cause a gradual decrease in the GCS, but it usually causes neurological deficits that correspond to the location of the bleeding, such as weakness, numbness, or aphasia, not pupillary changes.
Choice D reason: This is correct because epidural hematoma can cause a dilated pupil on the left side. Epidural hematoma is a type of traumatic brain injury that involves bleeding between the dura mater and the skull. Epidural hematoma can cause a lucid interval, which is a period of normal consciousness followed by a sudden decrease in the GCS, and a dilated pupil on the opposite side of the injury, due to compression of the third cranial nerve. The nurse should notify the provider immediately and prepare for emergency surgery.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason: A facial tumor is not related to Guillain-Barre syndrome, which is an autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nerves.

Choice B Reason: Pregnancy is not a risk factor for Guillain-Barre syndrome, although it can occur during or after pregnancy in rare cases.

Choice C Reason: A puncture wound 3 weeks ago is unlikely to cause Guillain-Barre syndrome, which usually follows a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection.

Choice D Reason: This is the correct answer because cytomegalovirus is one of the common infections that can trigger Guillain-Barre syndrome. It can cause inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath that covers the nerves.

A. Depth perception B. Peripheral vision C. Color deficit D. Double vision

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason: Depth perception is the ability to judge the distance and position of objects in three-dimensional space. Depth perception is assessed by asking the client to touch the tip of a pen or pencil held by the nurse, or by using a stereopsis test.

Choice B Reason: Peripheral vision is the ability to see objects and movements outside the direct line of vision. Peripheral vision is assessed by asking the client to shake the hand of the nurse, who stands at an angle to the client's side, or by using a confrontation test.

Choice C Reason: Color deficit is the inability to distinguish certain colors or shades of colors. Color deficit is assessed by asking the client to identify numbers or shapes on a color plate test, such as the Ishihara test.

Choice D Reason: Double vision is the perception of two images of a single object. Double vision is assessed by asking the client to cover one eye and look at an object, then switch eyes and compare the images, or by using a cover-uncover test.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client arrives to the clinic with reports of progressive weakness in his lower extremities. Which of the following findings in the client's history is consistent with the client developing Guillain-Barre syndrome?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is performing a focused assessment for a client's vision. What visual assessment is the nurse making when she extends her hand for the client to shake?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A patient who is unconscious after a head injury has cerebral edema. Which nursing intervention will be included in the plan of care?

A client diagnosed with moderate Alzheimer's has been admitted to a long-term care facility. Which of the following are appropriate activities for the nurse to include in the care plan?

A nurse is planning to provide discharge teaching for a client who has hearing loss. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

A client who is suffering from an allergic reaction asks the nurse what can be done about the itching. Which of the following will the nurse provide to the client?

A nurse at an ophthalmology clinic is providing teaching to a client who has open-angle glaucoma and a new treatment regimen of timolol and pilocarpine eye drops. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

A client diagnosed with contact dermatitis is receiving education from the nurse. Which of the following therapies will the nurse recommend to the client?

A nurse is caring for a client who has dementia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to reduce the client's risk of aspiration pneumonia?