A physician tells the nurse that a patient's skull is normocephalic.
This finding during the physician's inspection reveals:
Increased intracranial pressure.
Round symmetric skull that is appropriately related to the body.
An abnormally large head.
Abnormally small head.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
A normocephalic skull indicates a normal head size and shape, not increased intracranial pressure. Increased intracranial pressure typically manifests with symptoms like headache, altered mental status, and papilledema, and may or may not involve changes in head circumference depending on the patient's age and the chronicity of the pressure increase.
Choice B rationale
"Normocephalic" is a clinical term indicating that the patient's head is of a normal size and shape, appearing symmetrical and proportionally related to the rest of the body. This finding suggests the absence of conditions like microcephaly (abnormally small head) or macrocephaly (abnormally large head), reflecting healthy cranial development and morphology.
Choice C rationale
An abnormally large head is termed macrocephaly, which is distinctly different from normocephalic. Macrocephaly can be indicative of various underlying conditions, including hydrocephalus, genetic disorders, or brain tumors, leading to an enlarged skull circumference that deviates significantly from age and gender norms.
Choice D rationale
An abnormally small head is known as microcephaly, which is the opposite of normocephalic. Microcephaly is often associated with impaired brain development and can result from genetic factors, infections during pregnancy, or other congenital conditions, leading to a head circumference significantly below the expected range. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["68"]
Explanation
Step 1 is: Add the ordered units of Humulin NPH and Humulin R insulin.
Step 2 is: 52 units + 16 units = 68 units. Answer: The nurse will administer 68 units. (Shade SYRINGE #3 to the 68-unit mark).
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering medication without verifying the order, especially when the patient expresses concern about a change in appearance, is a breach of medication safety principles. The patient's concern highlights a potential discrepancy, and simply explaining a possible change without confirmation is unprofessional and dangerous.
Choice B rationale
This action is incorrect and dangerous. The patient stated she always takes a yellow pill, but the nurse is preparing to administer a blue tablet. Telling her the action of a "red tablet" is confusing, indicates a potential misunderstanding of the medication, and demonstrates a failure to address the patient's valid concern about the color discrepancy.
Choice C rationale
When a patient questions a medication, especially regarding its appearance, it is imperative to withhold the drug and recheck the medication administration record (MAR) against the physician's original order. This verifies that the correct medication, dose, and form are being administered, preventing potential medication errors and ensuring patient safety.
Choice D rationale
Administering the medication and making a mental note to check later is unsafe practice. A patient's concern about medication is a critical alert. Ignoring it and administering the drug first could lead to serious adverse effects if a medication error has occurred. Verification must precede administration.
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