A patient presents to the emergency department with signs of an epidural hematoma. Which manifestation is characteristic of this type of hematoma?
Loss of consciousness greater than 30 minutes following injury.
Lucid intervals followed by momentary unconsciousness.
Memory loss of the prior day's activities.
Amnesia of the injury event.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Loss of consciousness greater than 30 minutes following injury can occur in various types of head injuries but is not specific to epidural hematomas.
Choice B reason:
Lucid intervals followed by momentary unconsciousness are characteristic of epidural hematomas. Patients with epidural hematomas often experience a period of lucidity following the initial loss of consciousness, followed by a rapid decline in mental status as the hematoma enlarges and increases intracranial pressure.
Choice C reason:
Memory loss of the prior day's activities can occur with various head injuries but is not specific to epidural hematomas.
Choice D reason:
Amnesia of the injury event is common in head injuries but is not specific to epidural hematomas. The hallmark of epidural hematomas is the pattern of lucid intervals followed by rapid deterioration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Administering Atropine can increase the heart rate, but it is not the immediate first action. The priority is to stop the stimulus causing the vagal response, which in this case is the suctioning.
Choice B reason:
Calling the healthcare provider is important, but the immediate action should be to stop the suctioning to eliminate the cause of the vagal response. Once the immediate issue is addressed, notifying the provider can follow.
Choice C reason:
Continuing to clear the airway can exacerbate the vagal response and worsen the patient's condition. The immediate action should be to stop the suctioning.
Choice D reason:
Stopping the suctioning is the best immediate action to take when the patient becomes diaphoretic, nauseous, and experiences a significant drop in heart rate. This response is likely due to vagal stimulation, and stopping the suctioning will help alleviate the symptoms.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While preparing the gastrointestinal tract for enteral feedings is important, it is not the primary reason for administering famotidine. Famotidine is typically used to reduce gastric acid production, not to prepare the GI tract for feedings.
Choice B reason:
Increasing the motility of the gastrointestinal tract is not the primary function of famotidine. Famotidine is an H2 receptor antagonist that works by decreasing the production of stomach acid.
Choice C reason:
Keeping the gastrointestinal tract functioning normally is a broad statement and does not specifically address the reason for administering famotidine. The drug's role in preventing stress ulcers is more relevant to the patient's current condition.
Choice D reason:
Famotidine is used to prevent stress ulcers, which can occur in critically ill patients, including those on mechanical ventilation. The stress of illness and mechanical ventilation increases the risk of developing gastric ulcers, and famotidine helps reduce this risk by decreasing gastric acid secretion.
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.
