The client has been hospitalized after a severe head injury. The nurse recognizes that the client's difficulty in maintaining a normal body temperature when there is no infection present can be the result of which of these?
Errors by the nurse assistant in measuring temperature
Increased vasodilatation of the superficial vessels contributing to excess heat losses
The client's head injury causing interference with the function of the hypothalamus
Choosing the wrong time of day to obtain vital signs
The Correct Answer is C
A. Errors by the nurse assistant in measuring temperature. While improper technique can lead to inaccurate readings, consistent temperature fluctuations in a head injury patient are more likely due to hypothalamic dysfunction.
B. Increased vasodilatation of the superficial vessels contributing to excess heat losses. Vasodilation can play a role in heat loss, but it does not fully explain difficulty maintaining body temperature, which is primarily regulated by the hypothalamus.
C. The client's head injury causing interference with the function of the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus regulates body temperature, and a severe head injury can disrupt this function, leading to temperature instability (neurogenic fever or hypothermia) despite the absence of infection.
D. Choosing the wrong time of day to obtain vital signs. While body temperature naturally fluctuates throughout the day, major instability in temperature regulation is not due to the timing of measurement but rather an issue with the hypothalamus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["3"]
Explanation
Calculation:
To determine the number of capsules per dose, use the formula:
Capsules per dose = Dose ordered/ Dose available
Given:
- Ordered dose = 600 mg
- Available dose = 200 mg per capsule
Capsules per dose = 600mg/ (200mg/capsule)
= 3 capsules
Thus, the nurse will administer 3 capsules per dose.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Have the patient drink hot liquids. An unconscious patient cannot safely swallow, and forcing fluids could lead to aspiration. Additionally, internal warming should be done cautiously to avoid complications like shock.
B. Bathe the patient to promote shivering. Shivering is the body’s natural response to generate heat, but bathing a hypothermic patient would further lower body temperature and worsen the condition.
C. Remove restrictive items of clothing. While removing wet or restrictive clothing is important, it is not the priority over actively warming the patient. Hypothermia management focuses on gradual rewarming.
D. Wrap the patient in warmed blankets. The priority in hypothermia is gradual external rewarming using warmed blankets to prevent further heat loss and safely increase body temperature.
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