A nurse assessment of a client diagnosed with an acute loss of consciousness reveals a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 6.
Which nursing diagnosis is the priority?
Acute Confusion.
Self-Care Deficit.
Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity.
Ineffective Airway Clearance.
The Correct Answer is D
Ineffective Airway Clearance. This is because a client with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 6 has a severe impairment of consciousness and is at risk of aspiration, respiratory failure, and infection. The GCS is a clinical scale that measures a person’s level of consciousness after a brain injury based on their eye, verbal and motor responses. A GCS score of 6 indicates that the client only opens eyes to pain, makes incomprehensible sounds and shows abnormal flexion to pain.
Choice A is wrong because Acute Confusion is not a priority nursing diagnosis for a client with a GCS of 6.
Acute Confusion is a state of disorientation and impaired memory that can be caused by various factors such as medication, infection, electrolyte imbalance or dementia.
A client with a GCS of 6 is not likely to be confused, but rather unresponsive or minimally responsive.
Choice B is wrong because Self-Care Deficit is not a priority nursing diagnosis for a client with a GCS of 6.
Self-care deficit is the impaired ability to perform activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, feeding or toileting.
A client with a GCS of 6 will need assistance with all these activities, but the most urgent concern is their airway patency and oxygenation.
Choice C is wrong because Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity is not a priority nursing diagnosis for a client with a GCS of 6.
Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity is the potential for damage to the skin or underlying tissues due to pressure, friction, shear or moisture.
A client with a GCS of 6 may be at risk for developing pressure ulcers or skin breakdown due to immobility and reduced sensation, but this is not as life-threatening as ineffective airway clearance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Schizophrenia is a disorder that has genetic risk factors, but is not caused by a single gene. The risk of developing schizophrenia is higher if you have a close relative with the disorder, but it is not certain. The risk varies depending on the degree of relatedness and the number of genes involved. The heritability of schizophrenia, which measures how much of the risk is due to genetic factors, is estimated to be between 60% to 80%.
Choice B is wrong because it exaggerates the risk of schizophrenia for children of affected parents. The risk is about 10%, not 10 times more than the general public.
Choice C is wrong because it gives a false and misleading statistic.
There is no 50% chance that a child will be born with schizophrenia, and there is no evidence that crowded places and high anxiety situations can cause the disorder.
Choice D is wrong because it is based on false and outdated stereotypes. Females with schizophrenia are not infertile and can carry a full-term pregnancy, but most of the people who are affected are male.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is because the recovery position helps maintain the airway and prevent aspiration, and loosening the necktie prevents breathing restriction.
The other choices are wrong because:
Choice A is wrong because placing a stick or any object in the person’s mouth can cause injury to the teeth, gums, tongue or jaw and obstruct the airway. The person cannot swallow or bite their tongue during a seizure.
Choice B is wrong because recording the time of the seizure is not the first priority. The first priority is to ensure the safety and comfort of the person.
Choice C is wrong because restraining the limbs can cause injury or fracture, increase agitation and prolong the seizure. The nurse should protect the person from injury by moving furniture away and padding the head.
Normal ranges for seizure duration are usually less than 5 minutes for generalized tonic-clonic seizures and less than 15 seconds for absence seizures. If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if the person has repeated seizures without regaining consciousness, it is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
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