After a craniotomy, the nurse assesses the patient and finds generalized edema, decreased urine output, acute confusion, and muscle weakness. The client has IV fluids running at 75 mL/hr. What action should the nurse take first?

Assess the client's serum sodium level.

Continue to monitor the client's urinary output.

Increase the rate of the IV infusion.

Administer desmopressin IV per protocol.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason:

Assessing the client's serum sodium level is the priority action. The symptoms of generalized edema, decreased urine output, acute confusion, and muscle weakness are suggestive of possible hyponatremia or other electrolyte imbalances, which can be critical in the postoperative period following a craniotomy. Checking the serum sodium level will provide essential information to guide further treatment.

Choice B reason:

While continuing to monitor the client's urinary output is important, it does not address the immediate need to diagnose and correct a potential electrolyte imbalance. The nurse needs to take action to determine the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms.

Choice C reason:

Increasing the rate of the IV infusion could potentially worsen the patient's condition, especially if the symptoms are related to fluid overload or electrolyte imbalance. This action should only be taken based on specific clinical indications and after appropriate assessments.

Choice D reason:

Administering desmopressin IV per protocol is not appropriate as the first action without confirming the underlying cause of the symptoms. Desmopressin is used for specific conditions such as diabetes insipidus, and its administration should be based on a confirmed diagnosis.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Young adults ages 12-20 are at risk for spinal cord injuries due to sports and recreational activities. However, the highest risk group for spinal cord injuries, particularly from activities such as motor vehicle accidents and risky behaviors, is young men ages 16-30.

Choice B reason:

Young men ages 16-30 are the highest risk group for spinal cord injuries. This population is more likely to engage in high-risk activities such as driving, contact sports, and recreational activities that can lead to spinal cord injuries. Therefore, they would benefit most from targeted prevention education.

Choice C reason:

Children ages 2-15 are at risk for spinal cord injuries, particularly from falls and accidents. However, their risk is lower compared to the young adult male population. Education for this group is important but not as critical as for young men.

Choice D reason:

Elderly people ages 60 and up are at risk for spinal cord injuries, primarily from falls. While prevention education is important for this group, they are not the highest risk population compared to young men ages 16-30.

A. Lower levels of arterial carbon dioxide facilitate brain oxygenation. B. Carbon dioxide is a waste product that must be eliminated from the body. C. Carbon dioxide is a vasodilator that can cause increased intracranial pressure. D. Lower levels of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) are essential for gas exchange.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Lower levels of arterial carbon dioxide do not directly facilitate brain oxygenation. While maintaining appropriate CO2 levels is important for overall respiratory function, the primary reason for targeting a specific PaCO2 range in traumatic brain injury is related to intracranial pressure control.

Choice B reason:

Although carbon dioxide is indeed a waste product that must be eliminated from the body, this statement does not explain why specific PaCO2 levels are targeted in the context of traumatic brain injury. The primary concern is the impact of CO2 on intracranial pressure.

Choice C reason:

Carbon dioxide is a potent vasodilator, and elevated levels can lead to increased intracranial pressure (ICP). By maintaining PaCO2 within a range of 35-38 mmHg, the healthcare provider aims to prevent hypercapnia and the resulting vasodilation, which can exacerbate intracranial hypertension in patients with traumatic brain injury.

Choice D reason:

Lower levels of arterial carbon dioxide are not specifically essential for gas exchange. The primary concern with PaCO2 management in traumatic brain injury is controlling intracranial pressure, rather than optimizing gas exchange alone.

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After a craniotomy, the nurse assesses the patient and finds generalized edema, decreased urine output, acute confusion, and muscle weakness. The client has IV fluids running at 75 mL/hr. What action should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

As a community health nurse, you are planning to conduct an education session on prevention strategies for spinal cord injuries. Which population would benefit most from this education?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Why does the healthcare provider prescribe a ventilator setting to maintain partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) between 35 and 38 mmHg for a patient with traumatic brain injury?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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