A patient who is unconscious after a head injury has cerebral edema. Which nursing intervention will be included in the plan of care?
Encourage coughing and deep breathing
Position the patient with knees and hips flexed
Perform nursing interventions once an hour to provide rest periods
Keep the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because encouraging coughing and deep breathing can increase intracranial pressure (ICP), which is the pressure inside the skull that can affect brain function. Coughing and deep breathing can increase blood flow and oxygen demand to the brain, which can worsen cerebral edema. The nurse should suction the patient as needed and maintain a patent airway.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because positioning the patient with knees and hips flexed can increase ICP by reducing venous drainage from the head. The nurse should position the patient with neck and body in alignment and avoid extreme flexion or extension of any joints.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because performing nursing interventions once an hour can disturb the patient's sleep and increase ICP by stimulating brain activity. The nurse should cluster nursing interventions and provide quiet and dark environment to promote rest and reduce stress.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because keeping the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees can decrease ICP by facilitating venous drainage from the head and reducing cerebral blood volume. The nurse should monitor the patient's blood pressure and pulse to ensure adequate cerebral perfusion.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is a correct choice. Standing next to the client when speaking is an action that the nurse should plan to take, as it helps the client hear better and see the nurse's facial expressions and lip movements. The nurse should also speak clearly and slowly, use simple words and sentences, and avoid covering their mouth.
Choice B Reason: This is a correct choice. Guiding the client away from background noise is an action that the nurse should plan to take, as it reduces distractions and interference with hearing. The nurse should also choose a well-lit and quiet place for communication and turn off any unnecessary devices or appliances.
Choice C Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Providing a copy of the instructions printed in Braille is not an action that the nurse should plan to take, as it is not helpful for clients with hearing loss. Braille is a system of raised dots that represents letters and numbers for people who are blind or visually impaired. The nurse should provide a copy of the instructions printed in large font or use pictures or diagrams to supplement verbal information.
Choice D Reason: This is a correct choice. Repeating any phrases that the client misunderstands is an action that the nurse should plan to take, as it ensures comprehension and clarification of important information. The nurse should also ask open-ended questions, encourage feedback, and summarize key points at the end of the conversation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Providing written materials and visual aids is not necessary for a client who has hearing at 15 dB, which is considered normal hearing. Normal hearing ranges from 0 to 20 dB, meaning that the person can hear sounds that are as faint as 20 dB or less.
Choice B Reason: Using American Sign Language is not appropriate for a client who has hearing at 15 dB, which is considered normal hearing. American Sign Language is a form of communication that uses hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning. It is mainly used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Choice C Reason: Shouting at the client from 6 inches away is not advisable for a client who has hearing at 15 dB, which is considered normal hearing. Shouting can be perceived as rude or aggressive, and can damage the hearing of both the speaker and the listener.
Choice D Reason: Speaking to the client in an everyday conversational tone is the best action for a client who has hearing at 15 dB, which is considered normal hearing. Conversational speech ranges from 40 to 60 dB, meaning that the person can hear sounds that are as loud as 60 dB or less.
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