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:
Wearing clothing with zippers instead of buttons does not address the safety concerns related to Alzheimer's disease. This choice does not ensure the client's safety or prevent wandering, which are common issues in Alzheimer's patients.
Choice B rationale:
Placing locks at the tops of exterior doors is essential for the safety of clients with Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's patients often have a tendency to wander and may become disoriented, putting them at risk of getting lost or injured outside the home. Proper locks can prevent them from leaving the house unsupervised.
Choice C rationale:
Replacing the carpet with hardwood floors may reduce the risk of falls but does not specifically address the safety concerns related to Alzheimer's disease. It is important to focus on measures that prevent wandering and ensure the client's safety in various situations.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging physical activity prior to bedtime is a good practice for promoting sleep in older adults but does not directly address the safety concerns of Alzheimer's patients. Safety measures, such as securing doors, supervising the client, and preventing wandering, are more crucial in this context.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Placing the client's hands in warm water is a method to stimulate urination and is appropriate for clients experiencing difficulty voiding.
Choice B rationale:
Performing a fundal massage is incorrect choice in this scenario.
Choice C rationale:
Administering a benzodiazepine is not appropriate for this situation. Benzodiazepines are a class of medications primarily used for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. There is no indication for the use of benzodiazepines in this case, as the client's inability to urinate is likely related to a physiological issue postpartum, not anxiety or seizures.
Choice D rationale:
Placing an ice pack on the client's perineum is not the correct intervention for this situation. Ice packs on the perineum are typically used to reduce swelling and relieve pain after childbirth. However, the client's inability to urinate suggests a potential issue within the urinary system, and a fundal massage to promote uterine contractions would be more appropriate.
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