Nursing management of a patient with a brain tumor includes. Select all that apply
discussing with the patient methods to control inappropriate behavior.
using diversion techniques to keep the patient stimulated and motivated.
assisting and supporting the family in understanding any changes in behavior.
limiting self-care activities until the patient has regained maximum physical functioning.
planning for seizure precautions and teaching the patient and the caregiver about antiseizure drugs.
Correct Answer : C,E
Nursing management of clients with brain tumors focuses on safety, family support, and complication prevention. Brain tumors can cause neurological deficits, behavioral changes, and seizures, which affect both the patient and family. Nurses are responsible for educating caregivers, reinforcing safety measures, and implementing seizure precautions. These interventions help prevent injury and improve coping during the course of the disease.
Rationale for correct answers:
C. Assisting and supporting the family in understanding any changes in behavior: Family education helps relatives adapt to personality and cognitive changes caused by tumor progression. This support facilitates safe and effective home care.
E. Planning for seizure precautions and teaching the patient and the caregiver about antiseizure drugs: Brain tumors increase seizure risk. Teaching about seizure precautions and medication use promotes safety and adherence to treatment.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
A. Discussing with the patient methods to control inappropriate behavior: This is less effective because neurological impairment often limits the patient’s ability to control behavior. Family support is more appropriate than expecting behavioral self-regulation.
B. Using diversion techniques to keep the patient stimulated and motivated: Excessive stimulation can increase fatigue or irritability. A calm and restful environment is preferred for neurological stability.
D. Limiting self-care activities until the patient has regained maximum physical functioning: Encouraging safe participation in self-care promotes independence and prevents deconditioning. Limiting all activity is not recommended.
Take home points
- Family education and seizure precautions are the cornerstones of brain tumor nursing care.
- Overstimulation and unrealistic behavior expectations are not appropriate interventions.
- Safe home care depends on caregiver understanding and injury prevention strategies.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Medical management of brain tumors often involves a multimodal approach aimed at reducing tumor size, controlling symptoms, and preventing complications. Surgery is commonly performed for tumor removal or debulking, while radiation therapy targets residual or inoperable tumor tissue. Chemotherapy may be used, although its effectiveness is limited by the blood-brain barrier. Treatments like bone marrow transplant or blood transfusion are not part of routine brain tumor management.
Rationale for correct answers:
A. Chemotherapy: Certain agents can cross the blood-brain barrier to shrink or slow tumor growth. It is typically used for malignant or recurrent tumors in combination with other therapies.
B. Radiation: This therapy targets tumor tissue that cannot be completely removed surgically. It helps prevent regrowth and manage inoperable tumors.
C. Surgery: Surgical removal or debulking is often the first step in management. It reduces mass effect and relieves symptoms of increased intracranial pressure.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
D. Bone marrow transplant: This is used for hematologic cancers like leukemia or lymphoma. It does not treat primary brain tumors.
E. Blood transfusion: Transfusions correct anemia but have no effect on tumor treatment. They are only supportive if the patient is critically anemic or undergoing major surgery.
Take home points
- Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are the mainstays of brain tumor management.
- Supportive therapies like transfusions do not treat the tumor itself.
- Multimodal treatment is used to reduce tumor burden, relieve symptoms, and prevent recurrence.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Positioning is a critical intervention for clients with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) to promote venous drainage from the brain without compromising cerebral perfusion. Elevating the head of the bed (HOB) to 30 degrees optimizes venous outflow, reduces ICP, and helps prevent further cerebral edema. Extreme flexion or rotation of the head should be avoided, as these positions can impede venous return and worsen pressure. Proper positioning is a first-line nursing intervention in ICP management.
Rationale for correct answer:
B. Elevate the head of the bed to 30 degrees: This position facilitates cerebral venous drainage while maintaining adequate cerebral perfusion. It is the recommended standard for clients with increased ICP.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
A. Keep the head of the bed flat: Flat positioning can increase ICP by reducing venous outflow from the brain. This position is generally avoided unless specifically ordered for procedures like lumbar puncture.
C. Maintain patient on the left side with the head supported on a pillow: Lateral positioning may cause neck flexion and impaired venous return. Side-lying does not optimize ICP reduction.
D. Use a continuous-rotation bed: Frequent or continuous rotation can cause spikes in ICP. This therapy is reserved for preventing pulmonary complications, not for ICP management.
Take home points
- HOB elevated 30 degrees is the safest and most effective position for ICP reduction.
- Avoid neck flexion, extreme rotation, or flat positioning, as these can worsen ICP.
- Positioning is a noninvasive, first-line nursing intervention to protect the brain.
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