A nurse is assessing a child who has a suspected head injury. What would be the initial action the nurse should take to assess the child's cognitive status?
Have blood work done
Monitor intracranial pressure
Recommend a CT scan
Use the Glasgow cognitive scale
The Correct Answer is D
A. Have blood work done is not the initial priority for assessing cognitive status in a child with a suspected head injury. Blood work may be ordered later to assess for any contributing factors but is not the first step in cognitive assessment.
B. Monitor intracranial pressure is important but typically comes after an initial cognitive assessment. Elevated intracranial pressure may be suspected after assessing cognitive function and other neurological signs.
C. Recommend a CT scan might be ordered by a healthcare provider to assess for structural brain damage, but the initial assessment of cognitive status should be done first to evaluate the severity of the injury.
D. Use the Glasgow cognitive scale is the correct initial action. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is used to assess a child's level of consciousness and cognitive function following a head injury. It helps determine the severity of the injury and guides further intervention.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Mindfulness meditation techniques are effective strategies for managing stress and improving emotional well-being. These techniques help staff process their feelings and reduce anxiety, allowing for better coping with the emotional demands of caring for terminally ill children.
B. Work extended shifts is not recommended. Long shifts without adequate breaks contribute to burnout and fatigue, which can impair the ability to provide quality care and negatively affect staff well-being.
C. Develop professional support systems is critical. Building a support network with peers, supervisors, or mental health professionals can help staff process difficult emotions and prevent burnout.
D. Take sleep aids at night is not an ideal solution. While sleep is essential for stress management, reliance on sleep aids can lead to dependency and does not address the underlying stress or emotional challenges. Healthy sleep hygiene practices are more beneficial in the long term.
E. Attend funeral services if desired can be a meaningful way for staff to express their grief and provide closure. It also offers an opportunity for emotional support, which is crucial in maintaining emotional health after working with terminally ill children.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Placing the client in a semi-Fowler's position is appropriate to help alleviate pressure on the brain and improve comfort. This position can also help with respiratory function, which may be compromised in meningitis.
B. Admitting the client to a private room is necessary to prevent the spread of the infection to other patients. Bacterial meningitis is highly contagious, and isolation is important to limit exposure.
C. Implementing seizure precautions is essential in managing a child with bacterial meningitis because the infection can cause increased intracranial pressure, which may lead to seizures.
D. Measuring head circumference every shift is unnecessary for this child, as it is typically done for infants to monitor for signs of hydrocephalus or increased intracranial pressure. In a 6-year-old child, clinical signs and imaging studies are more reliable for monitoring ICP.
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