The nurse easily and quickly assesses changes in level of consciousness (eye opening, verbal responses motor response) using which neurological exams?
Glascow Coma Scale
NIH Stroke Scale
Romberg Test
Mini Mental Status Exam
The Correct Answer is A
A) Glasgow Coma Scale:
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a standardized neurological assessment tool used to assess a patient's level of consciousness based on three criteria: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. Each of these categories is scored, and the total score helps to determine the depth of the patient's consciousness. The GCS is commonly used to monitor changes in a patient's neurological status, especially after trauma, stroke, or other conditions that may impair brain function.
B) NIH Stroke Scale:
The NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is used to assess the severity of stroke symptoms and includes measures such as facial droop, arm and leg motor function, speech, and language abilities. It is used specifically to evaluate stroke symptoms and is not designed for the rapid assessment of general consciousness like the Glasgow Coma Scale.
C) Romberg Test:
The Romberg Test is a test of balance that is performed by having the patient stand with their feet together, eyes closed, and observing for any swaying or loss of balance. It is used to evaluate proprioception and cerebellar function, not to assess the level of consciousness.
D) Mini Mental Status Exam:
The Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) is a brief cognitive screening tool that assesses aspects of cognitive function such as orientation, attention, memory, language, and visuospatial skills. While the MMSE can provide insight into cognitive function, it does not focus on the specific assessment of consciousness level (eye opening, verbal response, motor response) as the GCS does.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Provide honest answers to the client’s questions:
Providing honest answers to the client's questions is essential in promoting comfort, especially when they have a new diagnosis of bladder cancer. Patients often experience anxiety and uncertainty when facing a new diagnosis, so being open and transparent with information can help alleviate fears and build trust.
B) Avoid eye contact with the client during care:
Avoiding eye contact with the client can contribute to feelings of isolation and discomfort. Eye contact is an important form of non-verbal communication that can help establish a rapport and show empathy. Avoiding eye contact could make the client feel rejected or neglected, which would increase their anxiety and distress.
C) Provide limited explanations of procedures needed for care:
Providing limited explanations of procedures may leave the client feeling more confused or fearful about what is happening. While it's important to avoid overwhelming the patient with too much information, clear and concise explanations about procedures and treatments are essential to reduce anxiety and help the patient feel more in control of the situation.
D) Avoid giving the client choices regarding their care:
Avoiding giving the patient choices can make them feel powerless, which can increase feelings of anxiety and frustration. Offering choices when appropriate allows the patient to feel more in control of their care, which can reduce stress and enhance their sense of autonomy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Prepare for chest tube insertion:
The priority treatment for a hemothorax, which is a collection of blood in the pleural space, is to address the loss of intravascular volume and to relieve the pressure on the lungs. The insertion of a chest tube is the first step in draining the blood and restoring proper lung function and ventilation. This intervention directly addresses the cause of obstructive shock (increased pressure on the lungs and impaired cardiac output) by re-expanding the lung and preventing further complications such as respiratory distress or cardiovascular collapse.
B) Chart assessment findings:
While accurate documentation of the patient's condition is important for ongoing care and legal purposes, it is not the priority action in this situation. Immediate treatment to address the hemothorax, such as chest tube insertion, takes precedence over documentation. Charting should be done after stabilizing the patient.
C) Administer lorazepam:
Lorazepam is an anxiolytic medication that might be used for anxiety or agitation, but it is not an immediate priority in this situation. The patient's life-threatening condition (hemothorax) needs to be addressed first, and sedation or anxiety management should be considered once the patient is stabilized and receiving appropriate interventions.
D) Initiate IV fluid resuscitation:
While fluid resuscitation is essential in trauma patients with hypovolemic shock, the primary concern in hemothorax is relieving the intrathoracic pressure by draining the blood from the pleural space. IV fluid resuscitation should be initiated shortly after or simultaneously with the chest tube insertion, but addressing the hemothorax directly is the first priority in treating obstructive shock.
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