A nurse is caring for a client who reports a throbbing headache and hypotension after a lumbar puncture. Which of the following actions is most likely to facilitate resolution of the headache?
Administer naproxen.
Elevate the head of the bed to 30°.
Check BP and call for a blood patch.
Darken the client's room and close the door.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Administer naproxen: While pain management is important, naproxen may not effectively resolve the headache associated with post-lumbar puncture headache (PLPH), which is often caused by cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
B. Elevate the head of the bed to 30°: While elevating the head of the bed may provide some relief, it is not typically sufficient to resolve PLPH, which often requires more definitive interventions.
C. Check BP and call for a blood patch: PLPH is commonly treated with a blood patch, which involves injecting the patient's own blood into the epidural space to seal the puncture site and restore normal cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Checking blood pressure is important to assess for hypotension, and calling for a blood patch is the most appropriate action to address the underlying cause of the headache.
D. Darken the client's room and close the door: While creating a quiet and dim environment may help alleviate symptoms of headache, it does not address the underlying cause of PLPH and is not the most appropriate intervention in this situation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "You may be able to prevent Bell's palsy by doing facial exercises regularly." Regular facial exercises have not been proven to prevent Bell's palsy. In fact, excessive facial exercises could potentially exacerbate symptoms in some cases.
B. "Medications to treat Bell's palsy work only if started before paralysis onset." While early treatment with antiviral medications may be beneficial in some cases, it is not accurate to say that medications only work if started before paralysis onset. Treatment can still be effective even after the onset of symptoms, although it may not be as effective as when started early.
C. "Call the doctor if you experience pain or develop herpes lesions near the ear." This is important information because Bell's palsy has been associated with reactivation of the herpes simplex virus. Pain or the development of herpes lesions near the ear could indicate impending or active Bell's palsy, and prompt medical evaluation is necessary.
D. "Prophylactic treatment of herpes with antiviral agents prevents Bell's palsy." While antiviral medications can reduce the risk of herpes simplex virus reactivation, there is no guarantee that prophylactic treatment will prevent Bell's palsy. However, prompt treatment of herpes outbreaks may help reduce the risk.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Placing the client with the head reclined back can increase the risk of aspiration and is not recommended.
B. Placing food in the affected side of the mouth could lead to choking, as the client may have reduced sensation or control on that side.
C. Encouraging the client to take small bites can help prevent choking and make swallowing easier.
D. While exercise might promote appetite, it is not directly related to feeding safety and should be discussed separately from swallowing instructions.
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