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)?
Limit suctioning the client's airway to 30 seconds at a time
Group several nursing activities to be completed at one time
Flex the client's neck forward
Place the client in a quiet environment
The Correct Answer is D
Place the client in a quiet environment.
- A. 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.
- 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. 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.
- 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","F","G","H"]
Explanation
- A. Bowel sounds are hypoactive in all four quadrants, which is expected after an appendectomy due to anesthesia and decreased peristalsis. This is not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider.
- B. Oxygen saturation is 93% on room air, which is below the normal range of 95% to 100%. This could indicate impaired gas exchange, respiratory depression, or infection. This is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider.
- C. Nausea is a common side effect of morphine and anesthesia, and can be managed with antiemetics and fluids. This is not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider unless it persists or interferes with oral intake.
- D. Vomiting is also a common side effect of morphine and anesthesia, and can be managed with antiemetics and fluids. This is not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider unless it persists or interferes with oral intake.
- E. Pain level is 6 on a scale of 0 to 10, which is moderate pain. The client received morphine as prescribed at 1815, and the pain level should be reassessed after 30 minutes. This is not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider unless the pain is unrelieved or increases.
- F. Heart rate is 110/min, which is above the normal range of 60 to 100/min. This could indicate pain, anxiety, dehydration, infection, or bleeding. This is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider.
- G. Incision characteristics are clean and dry, which is expected after an appendectomy. However, the nurse should monitor for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or odor. This is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider if any signs of infection are present.
- H. Lungs sounds are clear on auscultation, which is expected after an appendectomy. However, the nurse should encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises to prevent atelectasis and pneumonia. This is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider if any abnormal lung sounds are heard such as crackles, wheezes, or diminished breath sounds.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
- A. Diarrhea is not an adverse effect of amitriptyline, which is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Diarrhea may be caused by other factors, such as infection, food intolerance, or stress. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
- B. Frequent urination is not an adverse effect of amitriptyline either. Frequent urination may be a sign of diabetes, urinary tract infection, or other conditions that affect the kidneys or bladder. Therefore, this choice is also incorrect.
- C. Excessive salivation is not an adverse effect of amitriptyline as well. Excessive salivation may be due to increased production of saliva, difficulty swallowing, or mouth irritation. Therefore, this choice is incorrect too.
- D. Blurred vision is an adverse effect of amitriptyline and other TCAs. Amitriptyline can cause anticholinergic effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and blurred vision. These effects are more pronounced in older adults and can impair their daily functioning and quality of life. Therefore, this choice is correct and the nurse should identify it as an adverse effect of the medication.
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