A nurse is caring for a client who experienced a traumatic brain injury 72 hr ago.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a potential indication of increased intracranial pressure?
Tachycardia.
Hypotension.
Narrowed pulse pressure.
Increasingly severe headache.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice d. Increasingly severe headache.
Choice A rationale:
Tachycardia is not typically associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). In fact, bradycardia (a slower heart rate) is more commonly seen as part of Cushing’s triad, which indicates increased ICP.
Choice B rationale:
Hypotension is not a common sign of increased ICP. Instead, hypertension (high blood pressure) is often observed as the body attempts to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure.
Choice C rationale:
Narrowed pulse pressure is not a typical indicator of increased ICP. Widened pulse pressure (the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure) is more commonly associated with increased ICP.
Choice D rationale:
Increasingly severe headache is a classic symptom of increased ICP. As pressure within the skull rises, it can cause significant pain and discomfort, making this a key indicator to monitor in patients with traumatic brain injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Belching is a common finding following an esophagogastroduodenoscopy and is not a cause for concern unless it is excessive or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
(Correct Choice) Abdominal pain after an esophagogastroduodenoscopy can indicate complications such as perforation, bleeding, or infection. It is essential to report this finding to the provider promptly for further evaluation and management.
Choice C rationale:
Sore throat is a common and expected side effect after the procedure due to irritation from the endoscope. It usually resolves on its own and does not require immediate reporting unless it worsens or is associated with other concerning symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
Flatulence is not typically related to an esophagogastroduodenoscopy and is not a cause for concern in this context.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Since I retired, I have entered many gardening competitions." This statement indicates compensation as a defense mechanism. Compensation involves emphasizing personal strengths in one area to shift focus from failure or weakness in another. In this case, the client is finding fulfillment and recognition in gardening competitions after retiring, compensating for the loss of work-related identity.
Choice B rationale:
Expressing relief about retirement due to negative work experiences doesn’t necessarily indicate compensation. It could be a coping mechanism, but it doesn't align with the compensation defense mechanism, which involves overachieving in one area to compensate for deficiencies in another.
Choice C rationale:
Choice D rationale:
Journaling about career accomplishments after layoffs indicates sublimation, not compensation. Sublimation is a defense mechanism where unacceptable impulses or behaviors are transformed into socially acceptable actions or pursuits, like channeling frustration or disappointment into creative or productive activities such as journaling.
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