The nurse completes a Romberg's test on a patient with neurologic changes. The nurse will notify the provider if they observe which response?
Patient sways from side-to-side when standing with feet close together.
Patient's pupils do not respond equally to direct light from a flashlight.
Patient takes two attempts to touch their nose while their eyes are closed.
Patient complains of mild dizziness.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Swaying during a Romberg test indicates a positive result, suggesting proprioceptive deficits or sensory ataxia.
Choice B reason: Unequal pupil response to light relates to cranial nerve function, not balance assessed by the Romberg test.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Patient taking two attempts to touch their nose while their eyes are closed is a mild impairment of coordination, which may be due to neurologic changes or other factors such as fatigue or medication. This is not a significant finding that requires immediate attention.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Patient complaining of mild dizziness is a common symptom of neurologic changes or vestibular dysfunction. It is not a serious finding that requires immediate attention. The nurse should monitor the patient and provide comfort measures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Decreasing intracranial pressure with decerebrate posturing is not the correct answer. Decerebrate posturing is a sign of severe brain damage that involves the extension and outward rotation of the arms and legs, and the arching of the back. It is not associated with decreasing intracranial pressure, but rather with increased pressure or brainstem compression.
Choice B reason: Increasing intracranial pressure with decorticate posturing is the correct answer. Decorticate posturing is a sign of severe brain damage that involves the flexion of the arms at the elbows and the extension of the legs. It is associated with increased intracranial pressure or lesions in the cerebral hemispheres.
Choice C reason: Decreasing intracranial pressure with decorticate posturing is not the correct answer. Decorticate posturing is a sign of severe brain damage that involves the flexion of the arms at the elbows and the extension of the legs. It is not associated with decreasing intracranial pressure, but rather with increased pressure or lesions in the cerebral hemispheres.
Choice D reason: Increasing intracranial pressure with decerebrate posturing is not the correct answer. Decerebrate posturing is a sign of severe brain damage that involves the extension and outward rotation of the arms and legs, and the arching of the back. It is associated with increased intracranial pressure or brainstem compression, but it is not the posture described in the question.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is correct. Monitoring of neurologic status is a priority intervention for a patient with bacterial meningitis, as the infection can cause inflammation and damage to the brain and spinal cord. The nurse should assess the patient's level of consciousness, pupillary response, cranial nerve function, and signs of increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Infusion of large volumes of isotonic intravenous fluids is not indicated for a patient with bacterial meningitis, as it can worsen the cerebral edema and increase the intracranial pressure. The patient should receive adequate hydration, but not excessive fluids.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Standard precautions are not sufficient for a patient with bacterial meningitis, as the infection can be transmitted through respiratory droplets. The patient should be placed on droplet precautions, which include wearing a mask, gloves, and gown, and limiting the contact with other patients and visitors.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Distraction activities to reduce long periods of sleep are not appropriate for a patient with bacterial meningitis, as the patient may need rest and sedation to reduce the agitation and pain. The nurse should provide a quiet and dark environment, and avoid unnecessary stimuli that can increase the intracranial pressure.
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