A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted for observation following a head injury. Which of the following findings by the nurse indicates the client is experiencing increased intracranial pressure?
Pin-point pupils
Irritability
Pallor
Decreased blood pressure
The Correct Answer is B
A. Pinpoint pupils are more commonly associated with opioid intoxication or damage to the pons rather than increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Increased ICP typically causes pupils to become dilated and sluggish or nonreactive to light
B. Irritability can be an early sign of increased intracranial pressure. As pressure within the skull rises, it can affect the brain's ability to function normally, leading to changes in behavior such as restlessness, agitation, or irritability.
C. Pallor is not directly associated with increased intracranial pressure. It might indicate other issues such as anemia or poor circulation, but it is not a specific sign of increased ICP.
D. Increased intracranial pressure typically leads to hypertension (increased blood pressure) as part of the Cushing's triad, which includes hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations. Decreased blood pressure would not be a typical finding associated with increased ICP.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Effective communication with the client is crucial to understand their desires and provide appropriate care. When faced with a language barrier, it is important to use professional interpreter services to ensure accurate and clear communication. By requesting an interpreter, the nurse can obtain a clear understanding of the client's wishes and concerns regarding leaving AMA.
Without clear communication with the client, it is not appropriate to assume that the partner can make decisions on their behalf or sign an AMA form. It is important to directly ascertain the client's wishes.
Discharging the client without understanding their wishes and providing appropriate education or interventions could potentially put the client at risk. It is necessary to have a clear understanding of the client's desires before taking any action.
Asking the partner to reiterate the consequences of leaving AMA to the client: While educating the client and their partner about the consequences of leaving AMA is important, it is not sufficient in this situation. The nurse needs to directly communicate with the client to understand their wishes and concerns.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The first action the nurse should take in this situation is to assess the client's condition for any injuries or signs of distress. Therefore, the nurse should measure the client's vital signs to determine if there are any immediate concerns such as hypotension or tachycardia. After ensuring the client's safety and addressing any immediate needs, the nurse should complete an incident report and document the fall in the client's medical record. The provider may also need to be notified depending on the severity of the fall and any resulting injuries.
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