A patient is stuporous but reacts by withdrawing from painful stimuli. Which term is most appropriate for this patient?
Semicomatose
Somnolent
Lethargic
Comatose
The Correct Answer is C
A. Semicomatose:
This term suggests a state between consciousness and coma. A patient who is semicomatose may exhibit some level of responsiveness but is typically unresponsive or only responds to intense stimuli.
B. Somnolent:
Somnolence refers to a state of drowsiness or sleepiness. A somnolent patient may appear sleepy, have difficulty staying awake, and may be slow to respond to stimuli. However, the withdrawal from painful stimuli described in the scenario suggests a higher level of responsiveness than what would typically be expected in a somnolent state.
C. Lethargic:
Lethargy describes a state of reduced alertness or responsiveness. A lethargic patient may appear drowsy, sluggish, and have diminished responses to stimuli. The description of the patient as stuporous (having a decreased level of consciousness) but still reacting by withdrawing from painful stimuli aligns with the characteristics of lethargy.
D. Comatose:
Coma refers to a state of profound unconsciousness where the patient is unresponsive to all stimuli, including painful stimuli. A comatose patient does not demonstrate any purposeful movement or response to stimuli. Since the patient in the scenario exhibits some response to painful stimuli by withdrawing, they do not meet the criteria for being comatose.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
A. Provide a suction setup at the bedside:
This is a relevant intervention as it ensures that suction equipment is readily available in case the client experiences excessive secretions or vomiting during or after a seizure. It helps maintain a clear airway and prevent aspiration.
B. Elevate the side rails when in bed:
Elevating the side rails can help ensure the client's safety during a seizure by preventing falls from the bed. It is a preventive measure to minimize the risk of injury.
C. Place a bite stick at the bedside:
Placing a bite stick at the bedside is not a recommended intervention. Bite sticks can potentially injure the patient's teeth or mouth during a seizure and are generally not recommended in current practice.
D. Keep an oxygen setup at the bedside:
This is an appropriate intervention as it ensures that oxygen is readily available in case the client experiences respiratory distress or hypoxia during or after a seizure. Oxygen therapy may be needed to support respiratory function.
E. Furnish restraints at the bedside:
Furnishing restraints at the bedside is not a recommended intervention for managing seizures. Restraints should only be used in exceptional circumstances when the client's safety or the safety of others is at risk and should be applied according to institutional policies and legal regulations.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Decreased pedal pulses:
Decreased pedal pulses are not typically associated with increased intracranial pressure. Instead, they may indicate peripheral vascular disease or reduced perfusion to the lower extremities. Monitoring peripheral pulses is important for assessing circulation but is not directly related to intracranial pressure changes.
B. Hypertension:
Hypertension can be a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure. The body may respond to elevated intracranial pressure by increasing blood pressure to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure. However, hypertension alone is not specific to increased ICP and can have various causes.
C. Peripheral edema:
Peripheral edema is not a typical manifestation of increased intracranial pressure. It may occur in conditions such as heart failure or renal dysfunction but is not directly related to intracranial pressure changes following a craniotomy.
D. Diarrhea:
Diarrhea is not a common manifestation of increased intracranial pressure. Increased ICP is more likely to manifest with symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, altered level of consciousness, and focal neurological deficits.
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