The neurologic assessment of a patient indicated impaired function of the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN 10) and the vagus nerve (C.N X). Based on these findings, the nurse plans to;
insert an oral airway and suction as needed.
withhold oral fluids and food.
apply artificial pears to protect the cornea.
speak clearly while facing the patient.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Insert an oral airway and suction as needed:
This is generally not the first intervention for impaired glossopharyngeal (CN IX) and vagus nerve (CN X) function. The glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves play a critical role in swallowing, gag reflex, and the ability to protect the airway. While an airway might be necessary in cases of severe dysfunction, withholding food and fluids is a more immediate and specific concern when these cranial nerves are impaired, as it prevents aspiration risk.
B) Withhold oral fluids and food:
The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) is involved in taste and swallowing, and the vagus nerve (CN X) is crucial for the motor control of the pharynx and larynx, which are involved in swallowing and protecting the airway. Dysfunction of these nerves can lead to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), increased risk for aspiration, and the inability to protect the airway effectively. Withholding oral fluids and food helps prevent aspiration, a major risk when these nerves are impaired, until further assessment and management can be done.
C) Apply artificial tears to protect the cornea:
While it is important to protect the cornea in patients with cranial nerve dysfunction (specifically the facial nerve, CN VII), this does not directly relate to the glossopharyngeal (CN IX) and vagus (CN X) nerves. The glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves affect swallowing and airway protection, not eye lubrication. Applying artificial tears would not address the risk associated with impaired swallowing or airway protection.
D) Speak clearly while facing the patient:
Although speaking clearly and facing the patient might be helpful for communication, especially if the patient has difficulty with speech due to nerve impairment, it does not address the immediate and more critical concern of impaired swallowing and airway protection associated with dysfunction of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves. The primary concern is ensuring the patient is not at risk for aspiration while eating or drinking.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
A) Description of injury, vital signs during surgery, and current vital signs:
This information is crucial for the ICU nurse to understand the nature of the injury, how the patient responded during surgery, and their current hemodynamic status. Vital signs during surgery provide insight into the patient's cardiovascular stability and response to anesthesia, blood loss, and interventions. Current vital signs are important to monitor for any postoperative complications.
B) Description of operative procedure and patient tolerance:
The ICU nurse needs to know the details of the surgery performed, such as the type of trauma repair and any complications that may have occurred during the procedure. Understanding how the patient tolerated the surgery (e.g., any complications such as hypotension or arrhythmias) is important for planning post-operative care and anticipating potential issues in the ICU.
C) Total intake and output (IV fluids, blood products, urine/chest tube output, blood loss):
Tracking fluid balance is critical in trauma patients, especially those who have suffered significant blood loss. IV fluids, blood products, and other inputs (such as urine and chest tube output) provide vital information on the patient's circulatory status and renal function. Blood loss is also important to monitor, as it may need to be replaced, and fluid status affects the patient's recovery.
D) Presence of the patient's spiritual advisor and family:
Although family presence can be an important part of patient care, especially in a trauma situation, it is not essential information for the ICU nurse to receive during a report. While the ICU nurse may ask for family updates and visitor information, the focus of the report should be on the patient's clinical status and post-operative needs.
E) Medications administered during surgery and IV access sites:
The ICU nurse must know the medications administered during surgery, especially anesthesia agents, antibiotics, and analgesics, to understand their effects and anticipate any needed follow-up care, such as pain management or monitoring for adverse reactions. Knowing the IV access sites (e.g., central line, peripheral IV) is important for administering medications, fluids, and for monitoring potential complications related to vascular access.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Intestines:
While abdominal trauma can affect the intestines, Kehr's sign, Cullen's sign, and Gray Turner's sign are more commonly associated with damage to the spleen rather than the intestines. Kehr's sign, in particular, is a hallmark of splenic injury, with pain referred to the left shoulder due to diaphragmatic irritation from blood in the peritoneum.
B) Liver:
Liver injuries often present with right upper quadrant pain, jaundice, and elevated liver enzymes. While liver injuries can cause internal bleeding, Cullen's and Gray Turner's signs are more closely associated with retroperitoneal bleeding from the spleen rather than liver injuries. Kehr's sign, which is left-sided shoulder pain, would not typically indicate a liver injury.
C) Spleen:
The spleen is the most likely abdominal organ affected in this case due to the left-sided rib fractures. When the spleen is injured (often as a result of blunt trauma), it can cause intraperitoneal hemorrhage. This bleeding can irritate the diaphragm, leading to Kehr's sign, which presents as left shoulder pain. Additionally, Cullen's sign (periumbilical bruising) and Gray Turner's sign (flank bruising) are indicative of retroperitoneal bleeding, which can occur with splenic rupture or laceration.
D) Stomach:
While stomach injuries can occur with blunt abdominal trauma, they are less likely to cause the signs and symptoms seen in this patient (Kehr's, Cullen's, and Gray Turner's signs). Stomach trauma typically leads to pain and potential perforation, but it doesn't often cause the peritoneal bleeding patterns seen with splenic injuries.
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