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 D
Explanation
Monitor the client for adequate urine output.
When administering potassium chloride via IV infusion to a client who has severe hypokalemia, it is important for the nurse to monitor the client’s urine output to ensure that their kidneys are functioning properly and that they are able to excrete excess potassium.
Choice A is incorrect because the infusion site should be checked more frequently than every 4 hours.
Choice B is incorrect because the maximum recommended rate of infusion for potassium chloride is 10 mEq/hr.
Choice C is incorrect because Chvostek’s sign is used to assess for hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a life-threatening condition caused by bacterial toxins.
Common symptoms include high fever, low blood pressure, headache, rapid heartbeat, nausea and vomiting, muscle pain, malaise, confusion, and rashes on the soles and palms.
A generalized rash resembling a sunburn is one of the possible signs and symptoms of TSS.
A. Elevated platelet count: TSS does not cause an elevated platelet count.
B. Decreased total bilirubin: TSS does not cause a decrease in total bilirubin levels.
C. Hypertension: TSS causes low blood pressure (hypotension), not high blood pressure (hypertension).
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