A patient is admitted to the ED (emergency department) with an intracranial problem. Upon arrival the RN (registered nurse) immediately ensures that the head of the bed is elevated at 35 degrees. Identify the pathophysiological rational for this intervention?
Elevating the head of the bed promotes venous return and helps increase the ICP.
Elevation of the head of the bed aids in maintaining cerebral perfusion.
Elevation of the head of the bed will increase intracranial pressure (ICP).
The nurse should keep the head of the bed flat to ensure adequate arterial circulation.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Elevating the head of the bed promotes venous return and helps increase the ICP: This is incorrect. Elevation of the head of the bed helps to decrease intracranial pressure (ICP) by promoting venous drainage rather than increasing it.
B. Elevation of the head of the bed aids in maintaining cerebral perfusion: Elevating the head of the bed helps to decrease ICP, which in turn aids in maintaining adequate cerebral perfusion pressure.
C. Elevation of the head of the bed will increase intracranial pressure (ICP): This is incorrect. Elevation of the head of the bed is intended to reduce ICP, not increase it.
D. The nurse should keep the head of the bed flat to ensure adequate arterial circulation: This is incorrect. Keeping the head of the bed flat can increase ICP, which is counterproductive in managing intracranial pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Several episodes of black and tarry stools: This indicates melena, which is typically associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, not specifically Crohn's disease.
B. Several episodes of hematochezia per day: Hematochezia (fresh blood in stools) can occur in Crohn's disease due to inflammation and ulceration in the intestines.
C. Post-alcohol ingestion epigastric pain: This is more commonly associated with gastritis or peptic ulcer disease, not Crohn's disease.
D. An oral temperature of 102°F: While fever can occur in Crohn's disease during acute flare-ups, it is not a specific or definitive symptom of the condition. The primary symptoms are gastrointestinal in nature, such as abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Appendicitis: Appendicitis typically presents with right lower quadrant pain, not LLQ pain.
B. Barrett's esophagus: Barrett's esophagus is a condition associated with chronic GERD and does not cause leukocytosis, fever, or LLQ pain.
C. Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis often presents with LLQ pain, fever, and leukocytosis due to inflammation or infection of the diverticula in the colon.
D. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS may cause abdominal pain, but it does not cause fever or leukocytosis, and the pain is typically relieved with defecation and not localized to the LLQ.
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