A nurse is assessing a client in the emergency department when it is noted the left pupil is enlarged and fixed while the right pupil constricts to 2mm when exposed to light. Which of the following is a possible cause of unequal pupil sizing?

Normal variation in pupil size

Age-related changes

Ocular trauma

Excessive light exposure

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   There can be slight variations in pupil size but the difference described (one pupil enlarged and fixed, the other constricted and reactive to light) is not considered normal.

B.   Age-related changes in pupil size typically involve a gradual decrease in pupil size, not a sudden and dramatic difference between the two eyes.
C.   Unequal pupil size, especially when one pupil is fixed and dilated, is a classic sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), often caused by head trauma.
D.   Exposure to light would cause both pupils to constrict, not one to dilate and fix.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. A high CVP, not a low CVP, is typically associated with fluid overload.
B. A low CVP indicates decreased fluid volume, which is characteristic of hypovolemia. This is particularly relevant to a patient with multiple traumas who may have significant blood loss.
C. While left ventricular failure can contribute to hemodynamic instability, it's not directly correlated with a low CVP.
D. This would affect the oxygenation status of the blood, rather than the overall blood volume and CVP.

A. Increased clotting factors B. Excessive thrombosis and bleeding C. Progressive increase in platelet product D. Immediate sodium and fluid retention

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. In DIC, there is actually a consumption of clotting factors rather than an increase. The widespread activation of the clotting cascade leads to the consumption of clotting factors and platelets as they are used up in forming numerous small blood clots throughout the body. This depletion results in a paradoxical bleeding tendency due to a shortage of clotting factors.
B. This is characteristic of DIC. The condition involves both excessive clotting (thrombosis) and bleeding. The formation of small clots throughout the microcirculation leads to organ damage and depletion of clotting factors and platelets, which in turn causes bleeding tendencies. This dual process of clot formation and bleeding is a hallmark of DIC.
C. In DIC, there is a decrease in platelet count, not an increase. The condition causes widespread clotting, which consumes platelets rapidly, leading to a low platelet count. Therefore, a progressive increase in platelet count would not be expected in DIC.
D. Sodium and fluid retention are not primary features of DIC. Instead, DIC typically presents with symptoms related to clotting and bleeding rather than fluid balance. Fluid retention would be more associated with other conditions like heart failure or renal disorders, not directly with DIC.

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A nurse is assessing a client in the emergency department when it is noted the left pupil is enlarged and fixed while the right pupil constricts to 2mm when exposed to light. Which of the following is a possible cause of unequal pupil sizing?

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Correct Answer is B

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