The health care provider prescribes IV mannitol for a client with an intracranial pressure (ICP) of 22. How will the nurse determine that the medication had the intended effect?
Intracranial pressure (ICP) is now 15.
The patient voids 250 mL over 2 hours.
The patient's pupils are dilated and sluggish.
Seizure behavior is absent.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Intracranial pressure (ICP) is now 15: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to reduce intracranial pressure (ICP). The intended effect of the medication is to lower ICP. A decrease in ICP to 15 mmHg is within the normal range and indicates the medication has worked effectively.
B. The patient voids 250 mL over 2 hours is incorrect. While mannitol promotes diuresis, the amount of urine output alone does not directly indicate a reduction in ICP. The goal is to lower ICP, which is best assessed by measuring the ICP itself.
C. The patient's pupils are dilated and sluggish is incorrect. Dilated and sluggish pupils can be a sign of increased ICP, not a response to effective treatment.
D. Seizure behavior is absent is incorrect. While mannitol can help reduce ICP and potentially prevent seizures, the absence of seizure behavior is not a direct indicator of the medication's effect on ICP.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Occurs during stress: This describes stable angina, which is precipitated by predictable stress or exertion.
B. Occurs without any EKG changes: Unstable angina often presents with reversible ischemic EKG changes, such as ST depression or T wave inversion.
C. Occurs with reversible EKG changes: While this is true for unstable angina, it is not the primary differentiator compared to other types of angina.
D. Occurs at rest: Correct. Unstable angina is characterized by chest pain that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion, differentiating it from stable angina.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Thrombotic stroke. A thrombotic stroke develops more gradually and is not typically associated with such sudden and severe symptoms.
B. Embolic stroke. An embolic stroke is often associated with a known embolic source, such as a clot from the heart, and can present more suddenly, but without all the symptoms seen here.
C. Hemorrhagic stroke: Hemorrhagic strokes often present with a sudden, severe headache, vomiting, seizure activity, and high blood pressure. A fever may also develop due to increased intracranial pressure.
D. Transient ischemic attack (TIA). TIAs are brief and resolve within minutes to hours and do not typically cause seizures.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.