A nurse is assessing a client who has increased intracranial pressure. The nurse should recognize that which of the following is the first sign of deteriorating neurological status?

Cheyne-Stokes respirations

Pupillary dilation

Altered level of consciousness

Decorticate posturing

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Cheyne-Stokes respirations, characterized by a pattern of irregular breathing with periods of apnea, can be a sign of brain stem compression due to increased intracranial pressure. However, it is not typically the first sign of deteriorating neurological status.

Choice B reason: Pupillary dilation, especially if it is unilateral, can indicate pressure on the cranial nerves due to increased intracranial pressure. It is a concerning sign but may not be the first to appear as neurological function deteriorates.

Choice C reason: An altered level of consciousness is often the first sign of deteriorating neurological status in a patient with increased intracranial pressure. Changes in consciousness can range from slight disorientation or confusion to complete unresponsiveness.

Choice D reason: Decorticate posturing, which involves abnormal flexion of the arms with extension of the legs, indicates significant brain injury and is a later sign of increased intracranial pressure, not typically the first sign.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: A headache following a grade 1 concussion, while requiring monitoring, does not typically necessitate immediate proximity to the nurses' station. Grade 1 concussions are considered mild and usually do not involve loss of consciousness.

Choice B reason: A client who has experienced brain death and is awaiting organ procurement will not benefit from being close to the nurses' station due to the irreversible nature of brain death. The care for such a client is focused on maintaining organ viability for transplantation.

Choice C reason: A client with a score of 10 on the Glasgow Coma Scale following a motor vehicle crash should be placed closest to the nurses' station. A GCS score of 10 indicates a moderate level of impairment in consciousness and potentially unstable vital signs, requiring close monitoring and rapid nursing intervention.

Choice D reason: A score of 0 on the NIH Stroke Scale indicates no observable neurological deficit. Clients with a transient ischemic attack (TIA) and a score of 0 would require less intensive observation compared to those with higher scores or other acute neurological injuries.

A. Papilledema B. Restlessness C. Projectile vomiting D. Decorticate posturing

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Papilledema, which is the swelling of the optic disc due to increased ICP, is not typically an early sign. It is usually a later manifestation because it takes time for the pressure to build up and affect the optic nerve.

Choice B reason: Restlessness can be an early sign of increased ICP. As ICP begins to rise, it can cause subtle changes in a person's level of consciousness, leading to agitation or restlessness. This is often one of the first signs that healthcare providers notice when monitoring for changes in neurological status.

Choice C reason: Projectile vomiting may occur with increased ICP, but it is not usually an early sign. It tends to occur after other symptoms such as headache and altered consciousness and is more indicative of significant pressure increases that affect the brainstem.

Choice D reason: Decorticate posturing is a severe sign of brain injury associated with increased ICP but is not an early sign. It indicates significant damage to the brain and is a late and ominous sign in the progression of increased ICP.

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A nurse is assessing a client who has increased intracranial pressure. The nurse should recognize that which of the following is the first sign of deteriorating neurological status?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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