A nurse is caring for a client recently diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome.
The client states, “It is getting harder to take a deep breath.”. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Assess the lung sounds.

Explain the progression of the syndrome.

Call the physician and prepare for intubation.

Encourage the client to cough.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale

Assessing lung sounds is an important part of monitoring a patient’s respiratory status, but it may not be the most immediate action if the patient is finding it increasingly difficult to breathe.

Choice B rationale

While explaining the progression of the syndrome is important for patient education, it may not be the most immediate action if the patient is experiencing difficulty breathing.

Choice C rationale

Guillain-Barre syndrome can affect the muscles used for breathing, resulting in a weakened or paralyzed diaphragm, which can lead to an ineffective breathing pattern. Therefore, if a patient states that it is getting harder to take a deep breath, the nurse should call the physician and prepare for possible intubation.

Choice D rationale

Encouraging the client to cough may not be the most appropriate action if the patient is finding it increasingly difficult to breathe.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice C rationale
When providing care for a comatose patient, a nurse should evaluate motor responses by observing the patient’s response to painful stimuli. This can be done by applying a painful stimulus, such as a trapezius pinch or nailbed pressure, and observing the patient’s motor response. Purposeful or semi-purposeful movements, such as localizing or withdrawing from pain, can provide valuable information about the patient’s level of consciousness and neurological function.
Choice A rationale
The Romberg test is used to evaluate balance and is not typically used to evaluate motor responses in a comatose patient.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the patient’s sensitivity to temperature and touch can provide information about sensory function, but it does not directly evaluate motor responses.
Choice D rationale

Observing the reaction of pupils to light can provide information about cranial nerve function, but it does not directly evaluate motor responses.

A. Venous thromboembolism B. Hemorrhage C. Contractures D. Pressure ulcers E. Pneumonia

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication that can occur in comatose patients. Immobility is a major risk factor for VTE, and comatose patients are often immobile. Therefore, nurses should be vigilant for signs of VTE, such as swelling, pain, or redness in the extremities.
Choice B rationale
Hemorrhage is not typically a direct complication of coma. However, the underlying cause of the coma, such as a traumatic brain injury, could potentially lead to hemorrhage.
Choice C rationale
Contractures, or the shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, or other tissue, can occur in comatose patients due to prolonged immobility. Regular movement and physiotherapy can help prevent this complication.
Choice D rationale
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are a common complication in comatose patients. They occur when there is prolonged pressure on the skin, usually over bony areas. Regular turning and good skin care can help prevent pressure ulcers.
Choice E rationale
Pneumonia is a common complication in comatose patients, often resulting from aspiration (inhaling food, stomach acid, or saliva into the lungs)2. Nurses should be vigilant for signs of pneumonia, such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

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A nurse is caring for a client recently diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome. The client states, “It is getting harder to take a deep breath.”. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When providing care for a comatose patient, how should a nurse evaluate motor responses?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is providing care for a comatose patient and regularly assessing for potential complications. What complications should the nurse be looking for?

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

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A nurse is caring for a client recently diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome.
The client states, “It is getting harder to take a deep breath.”. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?