A nurse is monitoring a client who has a leaking cerebral aneurysm. Which of the following manifestations should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP)? (Select all that apply.)

Pupillary changes

Disorientation

Headache

Slurred speech

Neck pain and stiffness

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,B,C,D

Choice A reason : Pupillary changes, such as unequal pupil sizes or a sluggish reaction to light, can be a sign of increased ICP. The cranial nerves that control the pupils may be compressed due to the swelling of the brain, leading to these changes¹.

Choice B reason : Disorientation, including confusion and changes in alertness, can occur with increased ICP as the pressure affects the brain's ability to process information and maintain consciousness².

Choice C reason : Headache is a common symptom of increased ICP. It can be severe and persistent due to the pressure exerted on the meninges and blood vessels within the brain³.

Choice D reason : Slurred speech may result from increased ICP if the areas of the brain responsible for speech and muscle control are affected by the pressure².

Choice E reason : Neck pain and stiffness, particularly when trying to flex the neck forward, can be indicative of meningeal irritation, which can be associated with increased ICP⁴.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason : Headaches are a common side effect of nitroglycerin due to its vasodilatory effects, which can cause blood vessels to expand, leading to headaches. Patients should be informed that this is a common reaction and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary¹²³⁴.

Choice B reason : A headache is not typically an indication of an allergy to nitroglycerin. Allergic reactions would more likely present with symptoms such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.

Choice C reason : While anxiety can cause headaches, in this context, the headache is more likely a direct side effect of the nitroglycerin, especially since it occurred after taking the medication and the chest pain was relieved.

Choice D reason : Tolerance to medication refers to a reduced response to a drug over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. A headache after taking nitroglycerin does not indicate tolerance; it is a known side effect of the drug.

A. Give morphine IV. B. Start an IV infusion of lactated Ringer's. C. Initiate cardiac monitoring. D. Administer oxygen therapy.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason : While morphine IV can be used to alleviate pain and anxiety, it is not the first-line intervention for a pulmonary embolism. The primary concern in pulmonary embolism is to address the impaired gas exchange and potential hypoxemia¹.

Choice B reason : Starting an IV infusion of lactated Ringer's may be part of the overall management but is not the immediate priority. The initial focus should be on stabilizing the client's respiratory status¹.

Choice C reason : Initiating cardiac monitoring is important for observing the client's heart function, as pulmonary embolism can lead to strain on the heart. However, the first intervention should be to ensure adequate oxygenation¹.

Choice D reason : Administering oxygen therapy is the most critical initial intervention for a client with a pulmonary embolism. Oxygen therapy helps to manage hypoxemia and reduce the workload on the heart by improving oxygen saturation levels¹.

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A nurse is monitoring a client who has a leaking cerebral aneurysm. Which of the following manifestations should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP)? (Select all that apply.)

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who took three nitroglycerin tablets sublingually for chest pain. The client reports relief from the chest pain but now is experiencing a headache. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who develops a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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