A nurse is planning care for a client who has a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Which of the following nursing interventions should be added to the plan of care? (Select All that Apply.)

Administer pain medication as needed.

Maintain ventriculostomy at the correct position.

Maintain the neck in the midline position.

Elevate the head of the bed to 150.

Maintain enteral feedings.

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,B,C,D,E

A. Administer pain medication as needed. Rationale: Pain management is essential for clients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) to ensure their comfort and to prevent agitation or increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to pain. Administering pain medication as needed helps alleviate discomfort and promotes rest, which supports the client's recovery.

B. Maintain ventriculostomy at the correct position. Rationale: Ventriculostomy, also known as an external ventricular drain (EVD), is a critical component of managing intracranial pressure (ICP) in clients with traumatic brain injury. Maintaining the ventriculostomy at the correct position ensures accurate monitoring and drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which helps control ICP levels and prevents complications such as cerebral edema.

C. Maintain the neck in the midline position. Rationale: Keeping the neck in a midline position is essential for clients with traumatic brain injury to prevent further injury to the cervical spine. Proper alignment of the neck helps maintain spinal stability and reduces the risk of exacerbating any existing spinal cord injury, which may coexist with the traumatic brain injury.

D. Elevate the head of the bed to 30 degrees. Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees is recommended for clients with traumatic brain injury to promote cerebral venous drainage and reduce intracranial pressure (ICP). This position helps optimize cerebral perfusion and minimizes the risk of cerebral edema, which can occur with increased ICP.

E. Maintain enteral feedings. Rationale: Nutritional support is crucial for clients with traumatic brain injury to support healing and recovery. Enteral feedings, such as tube feedings, may be necessary if the client is unable to consume adequate nutrition orally due to impaired swallowing or altered consciousness. Providing enteral feedings ensures the client receives essential nutrients to support tissue repair and prevent malnutrition-related complications during the recovery process.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. "A deregulated cytokine storm causes an inflammatory response": Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is characterized by a dysregulated inflammatory response triggered by various insults such as infection, trauma, burns, or ischemia. In SIRS, the immune system responds excessively, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (cytokine storm), including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). This cytokine cascade results in widespread inflammation and systemic manifestations, such as fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, and leukocytosis.

B. "The major organ prone to injury during SIRS is the heart": While SIRS can lead to multi-organ dysfunction, including cardiac dysfunction, it does not primarily target the heart. SIRS affects multiple organs, including the lungs, kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. Cardiac dysfunction in SIRS may result from the inflammatory response, hypoperfusion, or direct myocardial injury.

C. "Spleen dysfunction causes blood clotting issues": SIRS can lead to coagulation abnormalities, but spleen dysfunction is not the primary cause. Coagulation abnormalities in SIRS are often attributed to endothelial dysfunction, activation of the coagulation cascade, and consumption of clotting factors, rather than spleen dysfunction.

D. "Activation of the inflammatory cascade causes increased perfusion": Activation of the inflammatory cascade in SIRS does not typically lead to increased perfusion. Instead, SIRS can lead to alterations in perfusion, including tissue hypoperfusion and microvascular dysfunction. In severe cases, SIRS can progress to septic shock, characterized by profound hypotension and inadequate tissue perfusion.

A. Respiratory rate of 12/min B. Blood pressure of 108/74 mm Hg C. Changes to pupil size and shape D. Swelling of the optic nerve E. Decreasing Glasgow Coma scores

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Respiratory rate of 12/min: A respiratory rate of 12/min is within the normal adult range (12-20 breaths per minute). In the context of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), respiratory rate changes might be noted as part of the Cushing's reflex (which is characterized by bradycardia, hypertension, and abnormal respiratory patterns like Cheyne-Stokes or ataxic breathing), but a rate of 12/min on its own is not indicative of a worsening condition. However, if the patient begins to show signs of irregular or abnormal breathing patterns, this would raise concern.

B. Blood pressure of 108/74 mm Hg: This blood pressure is also within the normal range and does not suggest a worsening of intracranial pressure. In fact, ICP can lead to a rise in blood pressure (due to the body's compensatory mechanisms, known as Cushing's triad), along with bradycardia and abnormal respirations. Thus, a stable blood pressure like 108/74 mm Hg is not concerning in this context.

C. Changes to pupil size and shape: Changes in pupil size, shape, or reactivity are significant indicators of worsening intracranial pressure. Unequal pupils (anisocoria), sluggish or absent response to light, and fixed dilated pupils are signs of brainstem compression or damage, which often occur as ICP increases. This could indicate herniation or severe brain injury, which are worsening conditions.

D. Swelling of the optic nerve: Swelling of the optic nerve, or papilledema, is another important sign of increased intracranial pressure. It occurs due to increased pressure within the skull, which causes congestion and swelling of the optic disc. This finding can be seen on fundoscopy and indicates a worsening condition, as it suggests elevated pressure affecting the brain.

E. Decreasing Glasgow Coma scores: A decreasing Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is a critical indicator of worsening neurologic function in a patient with increased ICP. The GCS is used to assess a patient's level of consciousness, and a decreasing score suggests that the brain's function is deteriorating. This can be caused by worsening edema, brain herniation, or other severe neurological impairments associated with elevated ICP.

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A nurse is planning care for a client who has a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Which of the following nursing interventions should be added to the plan of care? (Select All that Apply.)

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is explaining the pathophysiology of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) to a group of newly licensed nurses. Which of the following statements by the nurse is accurate?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

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