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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Diplopia, or double vision, is a symptom of multiple sclerosis that results from damage to the optic nerve or the brainstem. It can affect one or both eyes, and it can cause difficulty with reading, driving, and other activities that require visual coordination.
Choice B reason: Fatigue that worsens with heat is a symptom of multiple sclerosis that occurs due to the impaired transmission of nerve impulses in the central nervous system. Heat can exacerbate this impairment and make the patient feel more tired, weak, and sluggish.
Choice C reason: Muscle weakness, spasticity, tremors are symptoms of multiple sclerosis that result from damage to the motor pathways in the brain and spinal cord. They can affect the patient's mobility, balance, coordination, and speech.
Choice D reason: Orthostatic hypotension, or a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, is not a common symptom of multiple sclerosis. It can be caused by other conditions, such as dehydration, anemia, or heart problems.
Choice E reason: Numbness and tingling are symptoms of multiple sclerosis that result from damage to the sensory pathways in the brain and spinal cord. They can affect any part of the body, but they are more common in the limbs, face, and trunk.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Presence of a synthetic silicone mesh stent in a coronary artery is not a contraindication for MRI. Silicone is a non-magnetic material that does not interfere with the magnetic field or cause any harm to the patient or the device.
Choice B reason: Allergy to shellfish and iodine is not a contraindication for MRI. Shellfish and iodine are not related to the contrast agent used for MRI, which is usually gadolinium. However, the patient should inform the provider if they have any history of allergic reactions to contrast agents or any other medications.
Choice C reason: Contact lenses are not a contraindication for MRI. Contact lenses are made of plastic or silicone, which are non-magnetic materials that do not interfere with the magnetic field or cause any harm to the patient or the device. However, the patient should remove them before the procedure to avoid any discomfort or irritation.
Choice D reason: Presence of an internal insulin pump in the abdomen is a contraindication for MRI. Insulin pumps are electronic devices that contain metal parts, batteries, and wires, which can be affected by the magnetic field and cause malfunction, damage, or injury to the patient or the device. Therefore, the patient should inform the provider and the MRI technician about the insulin pump and follow their instructions on how to manage it before, during, and after the procedure.
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