A patient had a craniotomy one hour after a motor vehicle accident. The nurse evaluates pupillary response to:
assess the patient for potential visual deficits.
assess the patient's level of consciousness.
assess the patient for increased intracranial pressure.
assess the patient for cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Assessing the patient for potential visual deficits is not the primary purpose of evaluating pupillary response. Visual deficits may result from damage to the optic nerve or the occipital lobe, but they are not directly related to pupillary response.
Choice B reason: Assessing the patient's level of consciousness is an important part of the neurological assessment, but it is not done by evaluating pupillary response alone. Level of consciousness is determined by observing the patient's responsiveness to verbal and physical stimuli, as well as their orientation to person, place, time, and situation.
Choice C reason: Assessing the patient for increased intracranial pressure is the best explanation for evaluating pupillary response. Increased intracranial pressure is a life-threatening condition that can result from brain swelling, bleeding, or infection. It can cause compression of the brainstem and the cranial nerves, leading to changes in pupillary size, shape, and reactivity. Pupillary response is a sensitive indicator of intracranial pressure and brainstem function.
Choice D reason: Assessing the patient for cerebrospinal fluid leakage is not the main reason for evaluating pupillary response. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage can occur after a craniotomy due to a tear in the dura mater, the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord. It can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, and meningitis. However, it does not affect pupillary response unless it causes increased intracranial pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Encouraging intake of favorite foods to increase weight and promote normal growth is an important nursing goal for a child with leukemia, but it is not the priority. Chemotherapy can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, which can affect the child's nutritional status and growth. However, these effects can be managed with antiemetics, supplements, and small frequent meals.
Choice B reason: Utilizing approaches to minimize risk of infection and bleeding episodes is the priority nursing goal for a child with leukemia. Chemotherapy can cause bone marrow suppression, which reduces the production of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This increases the risk of infection, anemia, and bleeding, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the child's blood counts, vital signs, and signs of infection or bleeding, and implement preventive measures such as hand hygiene, isolation, and transfusions.
Choice C reason: Providing age-appropriate activities to promote optimum cognitive and motor skills development is an important nursing goal for a child with leukemia, but it is not the priority. Chemotherapy can cause fatigue, weakness, and neuropathy, which can affect the child's physical and mental abilities. However, these effects can be managed with rest, pain relief, and stimulation.
Choice D reason: Providing emotional support for the child and family members that relieve stress is an important nursing goal for a child with leukemia, but it is not the priority. Chemotherapy can cause anxiety, depression, and fear, which can affect the child's psychological and emotional well-being. However, these effects can be managed with counseling, education, and coping strategies.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: "Try relaxation and warm moist compresses for your headaches and document your response." is not the best instruction by the nurse to gather additional data before the appointment. It is a suggestion for self-care and pain relief, but it does not provide any information about the cause, type, or severity of the headaches.
Choice B reason: "Keep a diary of your headaches, recording symptoms, timing, and headache triggers." is the best instruction by the nurse to gather additional data before the appointment. It is a useful tool for collecting objective and subjective data about the headaches, such as their frequency, duration, intensity, location, quality, associated symptoms, and precipitating factors. This can help the primary care practitioner to diagnose the type of headache, such as migraine, tension, or cluster, and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Choice C reason: "Call and come in the next time you have a headache so you can be examined." is not the best instruction by the nurse to gather additional data before the appointment. It is a suggestion for urgent care, but it does not provide any information about the history, pattern, or characteristics of the headaches.
Choice D reason: "Keep track of how many headaches you have before you come in." is not the best instruction by the nurse to gather additional data before the appointment. It is a simple measure of the quantity of the headaches, but it does not provide any information about the quality, severity, or triggers of the headaches.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.