A nurse is caring for client with increased intracranial pressure What is an appropriate nursing intervention for the client?

Maintain hyperventilation to a PaCO2 of 15 to 20mm Hg.

Routinely suction to prevent accumulation of respiratory secretions

Encourage visitation to prevent feelings of isolation.

Avoid positioning the client with neck and hip flexion.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Maintain hyperventilation to a PaCO2 of 15 to 20 mm Hg. Hyperventilation can reduce ICP by causing vasoconstriction of cerebral blood vessels; however, a PaCO2 as low as 15–20 mmHg may lead to excessive vasoconstriction, reducing cerebral blood flow and causing cerebral ischemia. A PaCO2 target closer to 30–35 mmHg is typically recommended, and even this is used cautiously.

B. Routinely suction to prevent accumulation of respiratory secretions. Suctioning can increase ICP due to stimulation of the cough reflex. It should be performed only as needed and in a way that minimizes stimulation, such as preoxygenation and limiting suction duration.

C. Encourage visitation to prevent feelings of isolation. While social support is important, minimizing environmental stimuli (including limiting visitation) is crucial for clients with increased ICP to prevent overstimulation and further increases in ICP.

D. Avoid positioning the client with neck and hip flexion. Maintaining proper alignment of the head and neck is essential to promote venous drainage and reduce intracranial pressure (ICP). Flexion of the neck or hips can impede venous outflow, exacerbate ICP, and compromise cerebral perfusion.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Document the finding and continue to monitor the client: A PR interval of 0.24 seconds indicates first-degree AV block, which is often asymptomatic and benign if vital signs are stable. No immediate intervention is required other than continued monitoring.

B. Prepare the client for temporary pacemaker insertion: Pacemakers are not indicated for asymptomatic first-degree AV block.

C. Notify the health care provider immediately and then administer epinephrine IV: This is unnecessary as the client is stable and shows no signs of hemodynamic compromise.

D. Administer atropine per agency bradycardia protocol and then notify the health care provider: Atropine is not required for a stable heart rate of 72 bpm.

A. First degree heart block B. Second degree heart block C. Bundle branch block D. Sinus arrhythmia

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. First-degree heart block: A prolonged PR interval greater than 0.20 seconds, as seen in this case, indicates first-degree heart block, which is a delay in conduction at the AV node.

B. Second-degree heart block. Second-degree heart block is characterized by some PR intervals being prolonged with occasional dropped beats (non-conducted P waves).

C. Bundle branch block. Bundle branch block causes a wide QRS complex (greater than 0.12 seconds), which is not seen here.

D. Sinus arrhythmia. Sinus arrhythmia involves changes in heart rate due to respiratory cycles, not prolonged PR intervals.

View Question and Answer

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

A nurse is caring for client with increased intracranial pressure What is an appropriate nursing intervention for the client?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is evaluating a cardiac monitor strip for their client that displays a sinus rhythm with a heart rate of 72 bpm. The PR interval is 0.24 seconds. The vital signs are stable and the client reports no symptoms. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is assessing the cardiac rhythm of a client who is admitted with coronary artery disease. The nurse notes that the PR interval is 0.24 and the QRS interval is 0.10. Which interpretation would be appropriate for the nurse to make

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A patient recovering from a myocardial infarction (MI) develops cheat pain on day 3 that increases when taking a deep breath, lying flat, and is relieved by leaning forward. Which additional assessment data should the nurse collect next?

The nurse is teaching a class to a group of staff nurses about traumatic brain injury which condition would the nurse identify as having the highest risk of a fatal outcome within the first 24 hours post-injury?

A nurse is working on telemetry unit when an alarm sounds on the cardiac monitor The rhythm below is noted. What should the nurse do?

The health care provider prescribes IV mannitol for a client with an intracranial pressure (ICP) of 22. How will the nurse determine that the medication had the intended effect?

The nurse is caring for a client who is on cardiac telemetry monitoring and notes that the PR interval is 0.16 seconds. Which interpretation is correct for the nurse to make?

A nurse caring for a client who had a right-sided stroke and is exhibiting homonymous hernianopsia when eating. Which action should the nurse take?

The nurse is caring for a client who reports persistent, crushing chest pain. What additional signs or symptoms would make a nurse suspect that the client is experiencing a myocardial infarction?