A nurse is assessing a client who has increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The nurse should recognize that which of the following is the first sign of deteriorating neurological status?
Pupillary dilation
Decorticate posturing
Altered level of consciousness
Cheyne-Stokes respirations
The Correct Answer is C
Altered level of consciousness (LOC) is the earliest and most sensitive indicator of increased ICP, which can result from brain injury, tumor, hemorrhage, infection, or edema.
The nurse should monitor the client's LOC using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and report any changes or deterioration to the provider. Pupillary dilation, decorticate posturing, and Cheyne-Stokes respirations are later signs of increased ICP that indicate brainstem compression and herniation, which are life-threatening emergencies.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The client has neutropenia, which is a low number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that fights infection. The client is at risk for developing infections from bacteria and fungi that are normally present in the environment. Raw fruits may contain these microorganisms and should be avoided.
Contact isolation is not necessary for neutropenic clients, unless they have an active infection. Applying pressure to venipuncture sites for 10 min is a standard precaution for all clients, not specific to neutropenic clients. Moving the client to a negative pressure room is indicated for clients with airborne infections, not neutropenic clients.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should attend to the client who has thrombocytopenia and reports a nosebleed first, as this client has the most urgent problem and is at risk of hemorrhage. Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count, which impairs blood clotting and increases bleeding tendencies. The other clients have chronic or stable conditions that require ongoing monitoring and intervention, but are not as urgent as the client with the nosebleed.
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