Postoperative care for a patient having a craniotomy to relieve increased intracranial pressure, the nurse should implement which intervention?

Elevate the head of the bed 20 to 30 degrees.

Maintain bright lighting in the room to assess bleeding at the surgical site.

Stimulate the patient every half hour to assess changes in level of consciousness.

Allow the patient to change positions frequently to maintain comfort.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Elevating the head of the bed 20 to 30 degrees is an appropriate intervention for a patient who had a craniotomy to relieve increased intracranial pressure. It helps to reduce the venous pressure and improve the cerebral perfusion.

Choice B reason: Maintaining bright lighting in the room to assess bleeding at the surgical site is not an appropriate intervention for a patient who had a craniotomy to relieve increased intracranial pressure. It can increase the sensory stimulation and aggravate the intracranial pressure. The nurse should use dim lighting and monitor the dressing and the drainage system for signs of bleeding.

Choice C reason: Stimulating the patient every half hour to assess changes in level of consciousness is not an appropriate intervention for a patient who had a craniotomy to relieve increased intracranial pressure. It can increase the cerebral metabolic demand and worsen the intracranial pressure. The nurse should assess the level of consciousness using the Glasgow Coma Scale and avoid unnecessary stimulation.

Choice D reason: Allowing the patient to change positions frequently to maintain comfort is not an appropriate intervention for a patient who had a craniotomy to relieve increased intracranial pressure. It can increase the intrathoracic pressure and affect the cerebral blood flow. The nurse should limit the patient's movement and avoid extreme flexion, extension, or rotation of the head and neck.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: The hypoglossal nerve is responsible for the movement of the tongue. It innervates the muscles of the tongue and allows for speech, swallowing, and chewing.

Choice B reason: The trigeminal nerve is responsible for the sensation and motor function of the face. It innervates the muscles of mastication, the skin of the face, and the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose.

Choice C reason: The facial nerve is responsible for the expression and taste of the face. It innervates the muscles of facial expression, the lacrimal and salivary glands, and the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.

Choice D reason: The vestibulocochlear nerve is responsible for the hearing and balance of the ear. It innervates the cochlea and the vestibular apparatus of the inner ear.

A. Observe the time of onset and end of seizure activity. B. Remove objects within reach of the client's arms and legs. C. Loosen any restrictive clothing around the neck. D. Place a padded tongue blade in the client's mouth

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Observing the time of onset and end of seizure activity is important, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should first ensure the safety of the client and prevent injury.

Choice B reason: Removing objects within reach of the client's arms and legs is the correct action, as it prevents the client from hitting or injuring themselves during the seizure. The nurse should also lower the bed and raise the side rails.

Choice C reason: Loosening any restrictive clothing around the neck is a good practice, but it is not as urgent as removing objects. The nurse can do this after ensuring the client's safety.

Choice D reason: Placing a padded tongue blade in the client's mouth is a wrong and dangerous action, as it can cause choking, aspiration, or damage to the teeth and oral mucosa. The nurse should never force anything into the client's mouth during a seizure.

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Postoperative care for a patient having a craniotomy to relieve increased intracranial pressure, the nurse should implement which intervention?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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