A nurse is caring for a client who had a stroke 6 hr ago. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to reduce the risk of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
Flex the client's neck forward.
Group several nursing activities to be completed at one time.
Limit suctioning the client's airway to 30 seconds at a time.
Place the client in a quiet environment.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Flexing the client's neck forward can increase intracranial pressure by impeding venous drainage from the brain and increasing cerebral blood volume. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
B. Grouping several nursing activities to be completed at one time can increase intracranial pressure by stimulating the client and causing fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
C. Limiting suctioning the client's airway to 30 seconds at a time can reduce intracranial pressure by minimizing hypoxia and hypercarbia, which can cause cerebral vasodilation and increased cerebral blood volume. However, this intervention alone is not sufficient to prevent increased intracranial pressure, and suctioning should be done only when necessary and with caution. Therefore, this choice is partially correct but not the best answer.
D. Placing the client in a quiet environment can reduce intracranial pressure by minimizing sensory stimulation and promoting relaxation, which can lower blood pressure and heart rate and decrease cerebral metabolic demand. Therefore, this choice is correct and the best answer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Mild pain in the hip region can be caused by various musculoskeletal issues, such as muscle strains, bursitis, or even referred pain from other areas. It is not a characteristic symptom of scoliosis.
Choice B reason
Scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, which can cause uneven shoulders and pelvic heights. As the spine curves abnormally, it can lead to asymmetry in the shoulders and hips, which are noticeable during physical examination. This asymmetry is a key clinical sign that suggests the presence of scoliosis.
Choice C reason:
Limited range of motion (ROM) of the hips is more likely related to hip joint issues or musculoskeletal conditions affecting the hips, not specifically scoliosis.
Choice D reason:
Exaggerated curvature of the sacrum may indicate other spinal abnormalities or conditions affecting the lower back, but it is not typically associated with scoliosis, which primarily affects the curvature of the spine higher up in the thoracic or lumbar regions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Correct. Designating a health care surrogate is one of the components of an advance directive, which allows the client to appoint someone who can make medical decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so themselves.
B. Incorrect. Age is not a factor that determines the need for an advance directive, as anyone can become incapacitated at any time due to illness or injury.
C. Incorrect. A lawyer's help is not necessary to draw up an advance directive, as there are standardized forms available that can be filled out by the client and witnessed by two adults.
D. Incorrect. The family cannot alter or override the advance directives of the client unless they have been designated as their health care surrogate or have obtained a court order to do so.
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