A nurse is caring for a client who has sustained a traumatic brain injury. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following manifestations of increased intracranial pressure?
Tachypnea
Hypotension
Decreased level of consciousness
Bilateral weakness of extremities
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Tachypnea Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is not typically a direct sign of increased ICP. While it can be associated with various medical conditions, it is not specifically indicative of increased ICP. However, it’s important to note that breathing patterns can change with advanced ICP changes, but these are usually characterized by irregularities rather than just increased rate. Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a critical condition that can occur after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). It results from the brain tissue’s response to injury, leading to swelling or bleeding within the skull. The skull is a rigid structure, so any increase in content, such as blood or edema, can lead to an increase in pressure.
Choice B: Hypotension Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is generally not associated with increased ICP. In fact, one of the signs of increased ICP is Cushing’s triad, which includes hypertension (high blood pressure), bradycardia (slow heart rate), and irregular respirations. Therefore, hypotension would not be a typical manifestation of increased ICP.
Choice C: Decreased level of consciousness A decreased level of consciousness is a hallmark sign of increased ICP. As pressure within the skull increases, it can lead to compression of the brain tissue and disruption of cerebral blood flow. This can manifest as changes in alertness, drowsiness, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness1. when monitoring a client who has sustained a TBI, the nurse should be vigilant for signs of increased ICP, with a decreased level of consciousness being a primary indicator. Other signs may include headache, nausea, vomiting, and changes in pupil size or reactivity. It is crucial to identify and treat increased ICP promptly to prevent further brain injury and potential long-term consequences.
Choice D: Bilateral weakness of extremities While bilateral weakness can be a sign of neurological damage, it is not specific to increased ICP. Increased ICP is more likely to cause global effects on consciousness and brain function rather than isolated weakness in limbs unless there is focal brain injury causing raised ICP.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["1.2"]
Explanation
- Step 1: Identify the child's weight in pounds. The child weighs 33 lbs.
- Step 2: Convert the child's weight from pounds to kilograms. We know that 1 kg = 2.2 lbs. So, 33 lbs = 33 ÷ 2.2 kg. Calculating the division gives us approximately 15 kg.
- Step 3: Identify the prescribed dose in mcg/kg/day. The child is scheduled to receive 8 mcg/kg/day of digoxin, divided equally every 12 hours.
- Step 4: Calculate the total daily dose in mcg. We can do this by multiplying the child's weight in kg by the prescribed dose in mcg/kg:
- Total daily dose = 8 mcg/kg/day × 15 kg.
- Calculating the multiplication gives us: Total daily dose = 120 mcg/day.
- Step 5: Since the dose is divided equally every 12 hours, we divide the total daily dose by 2 to get the dose per administration:
- Dose per administration = Total daily dose ÷ 2.
- Dose per administration = 120 mcg ÷ 2.
- Calculating the division gives us: Dose per administration = 60 mcg.
- Step 6: Identify the concentration of the available solution. The available solution contains 0.05 mg/mL of digoxin. Convert this to mcg/mL for consistency with the dose per administration. We know that 1 mg = 1000 mcg. So, 0.05 mg = 0.05 × 1000 mcg = 50 mcg/mL.
- Step 7: Calculate the volume of solution needed to deliver the required dose. We can set up a proportion to solve for this:
- 50 mcg is to 1 mL as 60 mcg is to X mL.
- In other words, 50 mcg : 1 mL = 60 mcg : X mL.
- Step 8: Solve for X using cross-multiplication and division:
- Cross-multiplication gives us: 50 mcg × X mL = 60 mcg × 1 mL.
- Simplifying this gives us: 50X = 60.
- Dividing both sides by 50 gives us: X = 60 ÷ 50.
- Calculating the division gives us: X = 1.2.
Administer 1.2 mL of the digoxin elixir per dose.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Dizziness and pallor are common vasomotor symptoms of early dumping syndrome. They result from the rapid shift of fluid into the intestine, leading to a decrease in blood volume and a temporary decrease in blood pressure.
Choice B reason: Abdominal cramping and pain are gastrointestinal symptoms of dumping syndrome but are not specifically vasomotor manifestations. They occur due to the rapid entry of hyperosmolar contents into the small intestine.
Choice C reason: Bradycardia is not typically a symptom of dumping syndrome. Instead, tachycardia is more commonly observed due to the body's response to the rapid changes in the gastrointestinal tract and blood volume.
Choice D reason: Double vision and chest pain are not typical symptoms of dumping syndrome. These symptoms may indicate other medical conditions and should be evaluated separately.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.