A nurse is planning care for a client who has a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Which of the following should the nurse include in the plan of care? (Select All that Apply.)
Assess palmar reflex.
Assess for cough reflex.
Assess the ability to follow simple commands.
Assess for Cushing's Triad.
Assess for abnormal posturing.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D,E
A. Assess palmar reflex. Assessing the palmar reflex helps evaluate the integrity of the nervous system, particularly in response to tactile stimuli. In clients with severe TBI, abnormal reflexes may indicate neurological impairment and guide further assessment and intervention.
B. Assess for cough reflex. Assessing the cough reflex is important for evaluating airway protection and the risk of aspiration, especially in clients with reduced consciousness level due to TBI.
C. Assess the ability to follow simple commands. Assessing the client's ability to follow simple commands provides valuable information about their level of consciousness and cognitive function. It helps determine the extent of neurological impairment and guides the plan of care, including interventions for communication and cognitive deficits.
D. Assess for Cushing's Triad. Cushing's Triad, characterized by hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations, may occur as a late sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in clients with severe TBI. Monitoring for Cushing's Triad is crucial for early recognition of elevated ICP and prompt intervention to prevent further neurological damage.
E. Assess for abnormal posturing. Assessing for abnormal posturing, such as decerebrate or decorticate posturing, helps evaluate neurological function and localize brain injury in clients with TBI. Abnormal posturing indicates severe brain damage and may guide decisions regarding treatment and prognostication.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Persistent headache and aggression: While persistent headache and aggression can occur following a traumatic brain injury (TBI), these symptoms are not specific to mild TBI. Aggression is more commonly associated with severe TBI, and persistent headache can occur across the spectrum of TBI severity.
B. Headache and confusion: Headache and confusion are common manifestations of mild TBI. Following a mild TBI, individuals often experience headache, which may be mild to moderate in intensity. Confusion, disorientation, and difficulty concentrating are also typical symptoms of mild TBI due to the transient disruption of cognitive function.
C. Loss of vision and depression: Loss of vision and depression are less commonly associated with mild TBI. These manifestations may occur in more severe cases of TBI or with specific types of brain injury affecting visual pathways. However, they are not typically indicative of mild TBI.
D. Seizures and extremity weakness: Seizures and extremity weakness are more indicative of moderate to severe TBI rather than mild TBI. While mild TBI may result in brief loss of consciousness, seizures and significant extremity weakness are less characteristic of mild TBI and are more commonly observed with more severe brain injuries.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Consume foods high in potassium: Potassium deficiency can contribute to certain health issues, but it is not directly linked to hearing loss. However, maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients, including potassium, is important for overall health.
B. Increase oral intake of water: Hydration is essential for overall health, but increasing oral intake of water is not specifically associated with decreasing the risk of hearing loss. While staying hydrated is beneficial for various bodily functions, including maintaining proper ear function, it is not a direct preventive measure for hearing loss.
C. Avoid smoking tobacco products: Smoking tobacco products is a significant risk factor for developing hearing loss. Smoking can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the inner ear, leading to hearing impairment. Therefore, advising clients to avoid smoking or quit smoking is an important lifestyle modification to decrease the risk of hearing loss.
D. Limit alcohol to two drinks daily: Excessive alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on hearing health, including increasing the risk of hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. Therefore, limiting alcohol intake is recommended to reduce the risk of developing hearing-related problems.
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