A nurse is preparing a client for transfer to the ICU for placement of a pulmonary artery catheter. The nurse should explain to the client that this catheter is used to monitor which of the following conditions?
Hemodynamic status
Spinal cord perfusion
Renal function
Intracranial pressure
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason: This is correct because a pulmonary artery catheter is a device that measures the pressures and flows in the heart and lungs, such as the pulmonary artery pressure, the pulmonary artery wedge pressure, the cardiac output, and the mixed venous oxygen saturation. These parameters reflect the hemodynamic status of the client, which is the balance between the cardiac output and the systemic vascular resistance.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because a pulmonary artery catheter does not measure spinal cord perfusion, which is the blood flow to the spinal cord. Spinal cord perfusion can be affected by spinal cord injury, spinal anesthesia, or spinal surgery.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because a pulmonary artery catheter does not measure renal function, which is the ability of the kidneys to filter waste products and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. Renal function can be assessed by urine output, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because a pulmonary artery catheter does not measure intracranial pressure, which is the pressure inside the skull. Intracranial pressure can be increased by brain injury, stroke, tumor, infection, or hydrocephalus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Eliciting the gag reflex is a way to assess cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus), which are responsible for the sensation and motor function of the pharynx and larynx.
Choice B: Testing visual acuity is a way to assess cranial nerve II (optic), which is responsible for the sense of vision.
Choice C: Observing for facial symmetry is a way to assess cranial nerve VII (facial), which is responsible for the motor function of the facial muscles and the sensation of taste.
Choice D: Checking the pupillary response to light is a way to assess cranial nerve III (oculomotor), which is responsible for the motor function of most of the eye muscles, including those that control pupil size and lens shape.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because cognitive impairment that decreases over several months post-injury is more likely to occur in a client who has a diffuse axonal injury, which is a widespread damage to the brain's white mater.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because neurologic deficits that increase up to 2 weeks post-injury are more likely to occur in a client who has a subdural hematoma, which is a collection of blood between the dura and the arachnoid membranes.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because a change in the level of consciousness that develops over 48 hr is more likely to occur in a client who has an intracerebral hematoma, which is a collection of blood within the brain tissue.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because a lucid period followed by an immediate loss of consciousness is a typical manifestation of an epidural hematoma, which is a collection of blood between the skull and the dura. The lucid period occurs when the initial bleeding stops and the client regains consciousness. The immediate loss of consciousness occurs when the bleeding resumes and causes increased intracranial pressure.
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