A client is admitted following a motor vehicle collision.
When assessing the client's level of consciousness, the nurse notes that the client no longer responds to commands.
The nurse initiates a painful stimulus and the client responds by pulling the arms inward with elbows and wrists flexed and extending the legs with the toes pointed downward.
Which action should the nurse implement?
Report the finding to the healthcare provider.
Document the purposeful response to pain.
Initiate seizure precautions immediately.
Administer a prescribed PRN analgesic.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is **a. Report the finding to the healthcare provider.**
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should report the finding of the client's response to a painful stimulus to the healthcare provider. This response, known as a decorticate posturing, is an abnormal motor response that indicates a severe brain injury or dysfunction. It is a sign of impaired consciousness and requires immediate medical attention and intervention.
Choice B rationale:
While documenting the client's response to pain is important, the primary action the nurse should take is to report the finding to the healthcare provider. Decorticate posturing is a neurological emergency that requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment.
Choice C rationale:
Initiating seizure precautions is not the appropriate action in this case. Decorticate posturing is not a seizure, but rather an abnormal motor response indicating a severe brain injury or dysfunction. Seizure precautions would not be the appropriate intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Administering a prescribed PRN analgesic is not the appropriate action in this case. Decorticate posturing is a neurological emergency that requires immediate medical attention, not just pain management. Administering an analgesic would not address the underlying neurological issue.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
The correct answers are:
a) Observe the progression of the seizure.
- Pad the side rails with pillows.
- Loosen clothing around the neck.
Explanation: During a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, it is important for the practical nurse (PN) to prioritize the safety and well-being of the child. The correct actions to implement immediately are:
a) Observe the progression of the seizure: The PN should closely observe the seizure to gather important information that can be helpful for medical professionals in assessing the seizure's characteristics and duration.
- Pad the side rails with pillows: Padding the side rails of the bed with pillows helps to prevent the child
from injuring themselves by hitting the side rails during the seizure.
- Loosen clothing around the neck: Loosening any tight clothing around the child's neck helps to ensure adequate breathing and prevent any constriction or discomfort during the seizure.
- Hold the extremities close to the body: This action is not recommended during a seizure as it may increase the risk of injury to the child or the PN.
- Insert a tongue blade between the teeth: It is not recommended to insert any object, including a tongue blade, between the teeth of a person experiencing a seizure. This can cause injury to the person's mouth or teeth and is no longer considered an appropriate intervention for seizures.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Asking questions in a vague, non-specific format is not the best approach for addressing intimate partner violence. This approach may confuse the client or make them feel uncomfortable, as they may not know what specific information the nurse is seeking. It is essential to use clear and direct communication when addressing sensitive issues like intimate partner violence.
Choice B rationale:
Beginning with questions that are less sensitive in nature is the preferred approach when interviewing a client about intimate partner violence. This allows the nurse to establish rapport and build trust with the client before delving into more sensitive topics. Starting with less sensitive questions can help the client feel more comfortable and willing to share information about their situation.
Choice C rationale:
Getting the most difficult questions over with first is not the best approach when addressing intimate partner violence. Starting with the most challenging questions may cause the client to become defensive or unwilling to cooperate. It is essential to build a therapeutic relationship before discussing sensitive topics to ensure the client's emotional safety and willingness to disclose information.
Choice D rationale:
Sharing personal values to put the client at ease is not an appropriate approach when addressing intimate partner violence. It can be perceived as unprofessional and may compromise the objectivity and neutrality of the nurse in providing care. The focus should be on the client's needs and concerns, not the nurse's personal beliefs.
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