Here is the edited text:
A nurse is caring for a client who has a traumatic brain injury. The nurse notes that the client has a widening pulse pressure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer a vasodilator medication.
Elevate the head of the bed to 30°.
Apply a cold compress to the forehead.
Decrease the oxygen flow rate.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect because administering a vasodilator medication may lower the blood pressure and worsen the cerebral perfusion. A vasodilator medication is a drug that relaxes the blood vessels and reduces the resistance to blood flow. It may be used for clients who have hypertension, angina, or heart failure, but it does not help to reduce the intracranial pressure (ICP).
Choice B Reason: This choice is correct because elevating the head of the bed to 30° may help to improve the venous drainage and decrease the ICP. ICP is the pressure exerted by the brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and blood within the cranial cavity. A normal ICP range is 5 to 15 mm Hg, and an elevated ICP (>20 mm Hg) can cause cerebral ischemia, herniation, or death. Therefore, positioning the client in a semi-Fowler's position (30° angle) or high- Fowler's position (60° to 90° angle) can facilitate breathing and prevent further complications.
Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because applying a cold compress to the forehead may cause vasoconstriction and increase the ICP. A cold compress is a device that applies cold temperature to a body part to reduce inflammation, pain, or swelling. It may be used for clients who have headaches, sprains, or bruises, but it does not help to reduce the ICP.
Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect because decreasing the oxygen flow rate may cause hypoxia and worsen the cerebral ischemia. Hypoxia is a condition in which the body or a part of it does not receive enough oxygen. It may cause symptoms such as confusion, agitation, or cyanosis. Therefore, providing adequate oxygenation and ventilation is essential to maintain the brain function and prevent further damage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because clamping the client's chest tube can cause a tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because increasing the client's wall suction can cause excessive negative pressure in the pleural space, which can damage the lung tissue and impair ventilation.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because repositioning the client can help relieve chest burning, which may be caused by irritation of the intercostal nerves by the chest tube or by air trapping in the pleural space.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because stripping the client's chest tube can create high negative pressure in the pleural space, which can damage the lung tissue and impair ventilation.
Correct Answer is ["24"]
Explanation
- To find the concentration of heparin in the solution, divide the amount of heparin by the volume of D5W: 25,000 units / 500 mL = 50 units/mL
- To find the infusion rate, divide the prescribed dose by the concentration: 1,200 units/hr / 50 units/mL = 24 mL/hr
- Round the answer to the nearest tenth/whole number: 24 mL/hr
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