A nurse is caring for a client admitted with a skull fracture.
Which of the following assessment findings should be of greatest concern to the nurse?
Glasgow Coma Scale score changes from 14 to 9.
WBC count changes from 9,000 to 16,000/mm.
Pulse pressure changes from 30 to 20 mm Hg.
Bilateral pupil diameter changes from 4 to 2 mm.
The Correct Answer is A
A decrease in the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score indicates a decline in the client’s level of consciousness and neurological function.
This can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure or other complications related to the skull fracture.
Choice B is incorrect because an increase in WBC count may indicate an infection, but it is not as concerning as a decrease in GCS score.
Choice C is incorrect because a change in pulse pressure may indicate changes in cardiovascular function, but it is not as concerning as a decrease in GCS score.
Choice D is incorrect because a change in pupil diameter may indicate changes in neurological function, but it is not as concerning as a decrease in GCS score.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Granulation tissue is new connective tissue and tiny blood vessels that form on the surfaces of a wound during the healing process.
The presence of dark red granulation tissue is a sign that the wound is healing.
B.Light yellow exudate: Light yellow exudate may indicate the presence of infection and is not a sign of healing.
C. Dry brown eschar: Dry brown eschar is dead tissue that needs to be removed for the wound to heal properly.
D.Wound tissue firm to palpation: Wound tissue firm to palpation is not a specific sign of healing.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
“Fluid volume excess.” Bounding pulses, crackles on auscultation, and pink frothy secretions when receiving suctioning are all signs of fluid volume excess.
Fluid volume excess can occur when the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, causing fluid to build up in the lungs.
Choice A is not the correct answer because the increased cardiac output would not cause these symptoms.
Choice B is not the correct answer because pleural effusion refers to a buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity, which would not cause these symptoms.
Choice D is not the correct answer because aspiration refers to the inhalation of food, liquid, or other substances into the lungs, which would not cause these symptoms.
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