A nurse is assessing a client who has suffered a traumatic brain injury. When the nurse applies a stimuli to the client, which of the following responses by the client indicates that the client has suffered an extensive cervical spine injury?
Nystagmus
Decorticate positioning
Lack of any response
Decerebrate positioning
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because nystagmus is not a response to stimuli, but a condition that causes involuntary eye movements. Nystagmus can be caused by various factors, such as inner ear disorders, brain lesions, or drug toxicity, but not necessarily by cervical spine injury.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because decorticate positioning is a response to stimuli that indicates damage to the cerebral cortex or the corticospinal tract. Decorticate positioning is characterized by flexion of the arms and extension of the legs. It does not indicate cervical spine injury, which affects the spinal cord below the brainstem.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because lack of any response to stimuli can indicate various levels of brain damage or coma, but not specifically cervical spine injury. Lack of any response can also be influenced by other factors, such as sedation, hypothermia, or shock.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because decerebrate positioning is a response to stimuli that indicates damage to the brainstem or the upper cervical spine. Decerebrate positioning is characterized by extension and outward rotation of the arms and legs. It indicates a severe and life-threatening injury that can impair vital functions, such as breathing and blood pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is the correct choice. Using the rule of nines, each arm accounts for 9 percent of TBSA, each leg accounts for 18 percent of TBSA, and front and back are equally divided. Therefore, burns on both sides of both arms and legs equal to (9 + 9) x 2 + (18 + 18) x 2 = 36 percent of TBSA.
Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect. Using the rule of nines, burns on both sides of both arms and legs equal to 36 percent of TBSA, not 54 percent. To get 54 percent of TBSA, one would have to add burns on both sides of head and neck (9 percent), chest (9 percent), and abdomen (9 percent).
Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect. Using the rule of nines, burns on both sides of both arms and legs equal to 36 percent of TBSA, not 27 percent. To get 27 percent of TBSA, one would have to subtract burns on both sides of one leg (18 percent).
Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect. Using the rule of nines, burns on both sides of both arms and legs equal to 36 percent of TBSA, not 18 percent. To get 18 percent of TBSA, one would have to divide burns on both sides of both arms and legs by two.
Choice E Reason: This choice is incorrect. Using the rule of nines, burns on both sides of both arms and legs equal to 36 percent of TBSA, not 9 percent. To get 9 percent of TBSA, one would have to divide burns on both sides of both arms and legs by four.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is the correct choice. Washing towels, sheets, and pillowcases is a home care instruction that the nurse will offer to the client, as it prevents reinfection and transmission of bacteria or viruses. The client has conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the conjunctiva or thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the eyelids. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or irritants.
Choice B Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Using antifungal drops 3 times a day is not a home care instruction that the nurse will offer to the client, as it is not effective for conjunctivitis. Antifungal drops are used for fungal infections of the eye, which are rare and usually occur after trauma or surgery. The client may need antibiotic or antiviral drops, depending on the cause of conjunctivitis.
Choice C Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Scheduling a sexually transmitted infection (STI/STD) exam is not a home care instruction that the nurse will offer to the client, as it is not relevant for conjunctivitis. STIs can affect the eyes, but they usually cause different symptoms, such as redness, pain, or discharge from the urethra or vagina. The client may need to be tested for STIs if they have other risk factors or signs of infection.
Choice D Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Avoiding going outside during daylight hours is not a home care instruction that the nurse will offer to the client, as it is not necessary for conjunctivitis. The client may experience sensitivity to light, but they can wear sunglasses or avoid direct sunlight to protect their eyes. The client should also avoid rubbing or touching their eyes, wear glasses instead of contact lenses, and discard any eye makeup or cosmetics that may be contaminated.
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