The critical care nurse is giving end-of-shift report on a client.
The nurse uses the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) to assess the level of consciousness (LOC) of a female client and reports to the oncoming nurse that the client has an LOC of 6. What does an LOC score of 6 in a client indicate?
Stupor.
Somnolence.
Normal.
Deep coma.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Stupor refers to a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility, where the patient can be briefly aroused by vigorous or repeated stimuli.
Choice B rationale
Somnolence refers to a state of strong desire for sleep or sleeping for unusually long periods (drowsiness), but it is not as severe as stupor or coma.
Choice C rationale
Normal consciousness means the patient is awake, alert, and responsive to their environment with no neurological deficits.
Choice D rationale
A score of 6 on the Glasgow Coma Scale indicates deep coma, where the patient has minimal to no response to stimuli, indicating severe brain injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Techniques for performing neck ROM exercises might be relevant but are secondary to the immediate postoperative care following a cervical discectomy.
Choice B rationale
Restoring nerve function is a goal but not directly linked to discharge education strategies after cervical discectomy.
Choice C rationale
Home assessment of ABGs is not relevant to discharge education for a cervical discectomy, as it pertains more to respiratory status monitoring.
Choice D rationale
Care of the cervical collar is essential post-discectomy as it provides stability, reduces strain on the cervical spine, and supports the healing process, making it a critical part of discharge education.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The spinal accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI) controls the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, which are responsible for movements of the head and shoulders. Dysfunction in this nerve would not affect the gag reflex.
Choice B rationale
The acoustic nerve (cranial nerve VIII) is responsible for hearing and balance. Dysfunction in this nerve would lead to hearing loss and balance issues, not an absent gag reflex.
Choice C rationale
The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) controls muscles of facial expression and functions in the conveyance of taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. Dysfunction here results in facial paralysis or weakness but not in the absence of a gag reflex.
Choice D rationale
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) innervates muscles of the pharynx and larynx, which are involved in swallowing and the gag reflex. Dysfunction in the vagus nerve would result in an absent gag reflex, which is why the nurse determines this as the issue.
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