A client has undergone surgery for the creation of burr holes after sustaining head trauma from a fall and is at risk for developing an infection. An early critical manifestation of meningeal irritation for which the nurse assesses the client is :

Plantar reflex

Kernig's sign

Brudzinski's sign

Sunsetting eyes

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason : The plantar reflex, also known as the Babinski sign, is elicited by stroking the lateral aspect of the sole of the foot. A positive response is indicated by dorsiflexion of the big toe and fanning of the other toes. This reflex is normal in infants but may indicate central nervous system damage in adults¹. However, it is not specifically associated with meningeal irritation.

Choice B reason : Kernig's sign is a clinical sign wherein the patient experiences severe stiffness of the hamstrings causing an inability to straighten the leg when the hip is flexed to 90 degrees. This sign can indicate meningeal irritation but is not as early a sign as Brudzinski's sign².

Choice C reason : Brudzinski's sign is one of the most indicative signs of meningeal irritation. When the neck is flexed, there is involuntary flexion of the hips and knees. This reflex is an early sign of meningeal irritation and is considered a critical manifestation in assessing meningitis following head trauma².

Choice D reason : Sunsetting eyes, characterized by the downward deviation of the eyes, is associated with increased intracranial pressure, which can occur in conditions like hydrocephalus. While it may be seen in the context of brain injury, it is not a specific sign of meningeal irritation³.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason : Standard precautions are the primary strategy for the prevention and control of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), standard precautions include hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment to prevent contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials¹. Since HCV is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, standard precautions are sufficient for routine care of patients with hepatitis C².

Choice B reason : Airborne precautions are not necessary for hepatitis C as it is not spread through the air. These precautions are used for diseases that are transmitted through airborne droplet nuclei or dust particles containing the infectious agent, such as tuberculosis, measles, or chickenpox¹.

Choice C reason : Droplet precautions are also not required for hepatitis C because it is not spread through droplets in the air. Droplet precautions are used for infections that can be transmitted through large droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, talking, or during procedures such as suctioning and bronchoscopy¹.

Choice D reason : Contact precautions are not specifically required for hepatitis C unless there is a risk of blood contamination. Contact precautions are typically used for infections that are spread by direct or indirect contact with the patient or the patient's environment, such as gastrointestinal, respiratory, skin, or wound infections¹.

A. "It usually takes heparin at least 2 to 3 days to reach a therapeutic blood level." B. "A pharmacist is the person to answer that question." C. "Heparin does not dissolve clots. It stops new clots from forming." D. "The oral medication you will take after this IV will dissolve the clot."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason : This statement is misleading. While heparin does need to reach a therapeutic level to be effective, it does not directly dissolve existing clots. Heparin's primary action is to prevent the formation of new clots and the extension of existing clots by inhibiting certain factors in the coagulation cascade.

Choice B reason : While a pharmacist can provide detailed information about medications, it is the nurse's responsibility to educate and inform the client about the effects of their treatment. Therefore, this response would not be appropriate.

Choice C reason : This is the most accurate response. Heparin works by inhibiting the formation of fibrin, which is essential for clot formation. It does not have the ability to dissolve existing clots but can prevent new ones from forming and existing ones from getting larger.

Choice D reason : Oral medications such as warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) may be used after heparin to maintain anticoagulation; however, they also do not dissolve clots. The body's natural fibrinolytic system is responsible for breaking down clots over time.

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A client has undergone surgery for the creation of burr holes after sustaining head trauma from a fall and is at risk for developing an infection. An early critical manifestation of meningeal irritation for which the nurse assesses the client is :

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is admitting a client who has hepatitis C. Which of the following precautions should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has thrombophlebitis and is receiving heparin by continuous IV infusion. The client asks the nurse how long it will take for the heparin to dissolve the clot. Which of the following responses should the nurse give?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A nurse in a clinic is caring for a client who has recently begun taking warfarin. The nurse is reviewing potential drug and food interaction risks and should instruct the client to avoid which of the following?

When caring for an unconscious client with increasing intracranial pressure, the nursing intervention that is contraindicated is :

A nurse is assessing a client who has a pneumothorax with a chest tube in place. For which of the following findings should the nurse notify the provider?