A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who sustained a head injury. The nurse notes the client's IV fluids are infusing at 125 mL/hr. Which of the following is an appropriate action by the nurse?
Slow the rate to 50 mL/hr.
Slow the rate to 20 mL/hr.
Continue the rate at 125 mL/hr.
Increase the rate to 250 mL/hr.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is: C. Continue the rate at 125 mL/hr.
Choice A: Slow the rate to 50 mL/hr
Slowing the IV fluid rate to 50 mL/hr is not appropriate for a patient with a head injury. Adequate fluid management is crucial to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure and prevent secondary brain injury. Reducing the rate to 50 mL/hr could lead to hypovolemia, which might decrease cerebral perfusion and worsen the patient’s condition.
Choice B: Slow the rate to 20 mL/hr
Slowing the IV fluid rate to 20 mL/hr is even less appropriate. Such a low rate would likely result in significant hypovolemia, severely compromising cerebral perfusion pressure. This could exacerbate the patient’s head injury by reducing the blood flow to the brain, leading to further damage.
Choice C: Continue the rate at 125 mL/hr
Continuing the rate at 125 mL/hr is appropriate. This rate helps maintain euvolemia, which is essential for ensuring adequate cerebral perfusion pressure in patients with head injuries. Maintaining a stable fluid rate helps prevent both hypovolemia and hypervolemia, both of which can negatively impact intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion.
Choice D: Increase the rate to 250 mL/hr
Increasing the IV fluid rate to 250 mL/hr is not recommended. Overhydration can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which can be detrimental to a patient with a head injury. Excessive fluid administration can cause cerebral edema, worsening the patient’s condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because dabigatran does not affect the electrical activity of the heart or the conduction system. It does not slow down the ventricular response to the atrial impulses.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because dabigatran does not dissolve existing clots in the bloodstream. It only prevents new clots from forming.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because dabigatran reduces the risk of stroke in clients who have atrial fibrillation by preventing clot formation and reducing blood viscosity. Dabigatran is an anticoagulant medication that prevents the formation of blood clots in the heart and blood vessels. Atrial fibrillation is a condition where the atria beat irregularly and rapidly, which can cause blood to pool and clot in the heart chambers. These clots can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Dabigatran reduces the risk of stroke by preventing clot formation and reducing blood viscosity.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because dabigatran does not restore normal sinus rhythm in clients who have atrial fibrillation. It does not affect the heart rate or rhythm.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice a) is incorrect because troponin is not an enzyme, but a protein. Enzymes are molecules that speed up chemical reactions in the body. Troponin does not have this function.
Choice b) is correct because troponin is a protein that binds to calcium and regulates the contraction of heart muscle fibers. When the heart muscle is injured, such as in a myocardial infarction, troponin leaks into the bloodstream and can be detected by a blood test. The higher the level of troponin, the more severe the damage to the heart.
Choice c) is incorrect because troponin does not help transport oxygen throughout the body. That function is performed by hemoglobin, which is a protein found in red blood cells.
Choice d) is incorrect because troponin is not a lipid, but a protein. Lipids are fats that are used for energy storage and cell membrane formation. Troponin does not have these roles.
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