A nurse is monitoring a client who has a head injury and is receiving mannitol 25% IV. The nurse should identify that which of the following is an adverse effect of the medication and should be reported to the provider?

Intracranial pressure reading of 12 mm Hg

Increase in urinary output

Glasgow coma scale rating of 15

Crackles on auscultation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic commonly used in clients with head injuries to reduce intracranial pressure by drawing fluid from cerebral tissues into the intravascular space. While it is effective in lowering intracranial pressure, it can significantly increase circulating fluid volume. This shift places clients at risk for fluid overload and pulmonary complications. Careful monitoring of respiratory status and fluid balance is essential during therapy.

A. An intracranial pressure (ICP) reading of 12 mm Hg is within the expected normal range (5–15 mm Hg) and indicates that the medication is achieving its therapeutic goal. Mannitol is used to lower ICP, so this value reflects effective treatment rather than an adverse effect requiring intervention.

B. Increased urinary output is an expected therapeutic effect of mannitol because it works by pulling fluid into the bloodstream and promoting renal excretion. This diuresis helps reduce intracranial pressure and is not considered an adverse effect unless it becomes excessive and leads to dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.

C. A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 indicates that the client is fully alert and oriented with no neurological deterioration. This is the best possible score and reflects normal neurological function rather than a complication of therapy.

D. Crackles on auscultation indicate pulmonary fluid overload, which is a serious adverse effect of mannitol therapy. Because mannitol increases intravascular volume, it can precipitate pulmonary edema and impaired gas exchange. This finding must be reported immediately to the provider for prompt intervention.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

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

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["37.5"]

Explanation

Calculation:

Convert ounces to milliliters

0.5 oz × 30 mL

= 15 mL

Identify the concentration of the medication

12.5 mg per 5 mL

Calculate the dose in mg

Dose (mg) = (Volume ÷ 5 mL) × 12.5 mg

Dose = (15 ÷ 5) × 12.5

Dose = 3 × 12.5

= 37.5 mg

A. Decreased tear production B. Constipation C. Peripheral neuropathy D. Mouth ulcers

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Targeted radiation therapy to the neck affects rapidly dividing cells in the oral mucosa and surrounding tissues. While it is directed at malignant cells, surrounding normal tissues such as the mucous membranes, salivary glands, and skin can also be damaged. This often results in localized inflammatory and degenerative changes within the mouth. Nurses must anticipate and monitor for oral complications that can affect nutrition, comfort, and risk of infection.

A. Decreased tear production is more commonly associated with radiation therapy directed at the orbital region or conditions affecting the lacrimal glands, not the neck. While some systemic effects of radiation may occur, dry eyes are not a primary expected adverse effect of neck-focused radiation therapy.

B. Constipation is not a direct adverse effect of neck radiation therapy. Gastrointestinal changes such as constipation are more commonly associated with abdominal or pelvic radiation, opioid use, or decreased mobility. Neck radiation primarily affects the oral cavity and upper airway structures.

C. Peripheral neuropathy is more commonly associated with certain chemotherapy agents rather than localized radiation therapy to the neck. Radiation-induced nerve damage can occur but is typically related to high-dose exposure or specific anatomical involvement, not routine neck radiation.

D. Mouth ulcers (oral mucositis) are a common adverse effect of radiation therapy to the neck due to damage to rapidly dividing epithelial cells in the oral mucosa. This leads to inflammation, ulceration, pain, and difficulty eating or swallowing. It also increases the risk of secondary infection and requires supportive oral care interventions.

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 monitoring a client who has a head injury and is receiving mannitol 25% IV. The nurse should identify that which of the following is an adverse effect of the medication and should be reported to the provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is ["37.5"]

Explanation

A nurse is planning care for a client who is receiving targeted radiation therapy to the neck. The nurse should plan to monitor the client for which of the following as an adverse effect of this therapy?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client following a total knee arthroplasty. The client reports a pain level of 6 on a pain scale of 0 to 10. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take?

A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is postoperative following a partial glossectomy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP). The nurse should expect which of the following as an early manifestation of increased ICP?

A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse care for a client who has a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Which of the foll owing observations of the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of infection control precautions?

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a sickle cell crisis. During morning care, the assistive personnel alerts the nurse that the client is slurring their speech. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who reports that they cannot afford their prescribed medication. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A nurse is teaching a client about using a metered-dose rescue inhaler. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?