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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: Eating a meal prior to postural drainage is not recommended.Postural drainage uses gravity to help clear mucus from the lungs, and having a full stomach can cause discomfort and potentially lead to vomiting 1.

Choice B rationale: Pancrelipase is a medication that replaces digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas.Most people with cystic fibrosis benefit from taking pancrelipase to aid their digestion 2. However, it is not specifically required prior to postural drainage.

Choice C rationale: Using an albuterol inhaler prior to postural drainage is beneficial.Albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps open the airways, making it easier to clear mucus from the lungs 3 4. This is why it’s recommended to use prior to postural drainage.

Choice D rationale: While maintaining good oral hygiene is important for overall health, it is not specifically required prior to postural drainage

A. Heart rate 140/min. B. Cessation of nocturnal enuresis. C. Capillary refill 3 seconds. D. Absence of hypoglycemic episodes.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

A heart rate of 140/min is not a specific indicator of desmopressin effectiveness in a child with diabetes insipidus. The effectiveness of desmopressin is primarily evaluated based on the reduction in excessive urination and thirst associated with the condition. Monitoring heart rate is essential in certain situations but is not a direct measure of desmopressin efficacy in managing diabetes insipidus.

Choice B rationale:

Cessation of nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) is a significant indication that desmopressin, an antidiuretic hormone, is effective. One of the main symptoms of diabetes insipidus is excessive urination, including during the night, leading to bedwetting. When desmopressin effectively reduces urine production, patients often experience improvement in these symptoms, including the cessation of nocturnal enuresis.

Choice C rationale:

Capillary refill of 3 seconds is a measurement used to assess peripheral perfusion and circulatory status. While it is essential to monitor capillary refill in pediatric patients, especially in cases of dehydration or circulatory compromise, it is not a specific indicator of desmopressin effectiveness in managing diabetes insipidus. Capillary refill time is more relevant in the assessment of cardiovascular function and fluid status.

Choice D rationale:

The absence of hypoglycemic episodes is not a direct indicator of desmopressin effectiveness. Diabetes insipidus is unrelated to blood glucose levels, as it involves the dysregulation of water balance due to insufficient antidiuretic hormone. While it is essential to monitor blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus, it is not relevant to assessing the effectiveness of desmopressin in treating diabetes insipidus.

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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?

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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?