The nurse is caring for a client in the intensive care unit following a closed head injury. The nurse can anticipate which medication would be administered to treat an increase in intracranial pressure?

Pepcid

Aspirin

Desmopressin

Mannitol

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason:

Pepcid (famotidine) is an H2 receptor antagonist used to reduce stomach acid production. It is not relevant to the management of increased intracranial pressure and does not have the pharmacological properties needed to treat such a condition. Its primary use is for gastrointestinal issues.

Choice B reason:

Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet medication that is not suitable for treating increased intracranial pressure. In fact, it could be contraindicated due to the risk of bleeding, especially in a patient with a head injury. Aspirin can exacerbate intracranial bleeding and worsen the situation.

Choice C reason:

Desmopressin is used to manage conditions like diabetes insipidus and certain bleeding disorders, but it is not used to treat increased intracranial pressure. Its action on fluid retention and blood clotting does not address the direct need for reducing intracranial pressure.

Choice D reason:

Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that is effective in reducing intracranial pressure. It works by drawing fluid out of the brain tissue, thereby decreasing pressure within the skull. This makes it the appropriate medication for managing increased intracranial pressure in the scenario of a closed head injury.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: A hemorrhagic stroke occurs due to bleeding in the brain, often from a burst blood vessel. While individuals with cardiovascular disease might have risk factors, atrial fibrillation primarily increases the risk for strokes caused by clots, not bleeding.

Choice B reason: A thrombotic stroke is caused by a clot that forms within the blood vessels of the brain. While cardiovascular disease can contribute to thrombosis, atrial fibrillation more commonly leads to embolic strokes due to clots forming in the heart and traveling to the brain.

Choice C reason: This is the correct answer. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of embolic strokes because it can cause blood clots to form in the heart. These clots can travel to the brain and cause an embolic stroke, which is why patients with atrial fibrillation are often on anticoagulant therapy.

Choice D reason: A subarachnoid stroke involves bleeding in the space between the brain and the surrounding membrane. It is typically associated with aneurysms or head injury, rather than atrial fibrillation. This choice does not align with the client’s condition.

A. bradycardia B. sudden abdominal pain C. hyperactive bowel sounds D. increased blood pressure

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Bradycardia is not typically associated with gastrointestinal perforation. While changes in heart rate can occur with severe pain or shock, it is not a primary indicator of perforation in peptic ulcer disease.

Choice B reason: This is the correct answer. Sudden abdominal pain, especially if severe and accompanied by signs of peritonitis, is a key indicator of gastrointestinal perforation. This condition requires immediate medical intervention to prevent serious complications.

Choice C reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds are more commonly associated with other gastrointestinal conditions, such as obstruction or gastroenteritis. In the case of perforation, bowel sounds may actually be diminished or absent.

Choice D reason: Increased blood pressure might occur as a response to severe pain or stress but is not a specific indicator of gastrointestinal perforation. The focus should be on abdominal symptoms and signs of acute abdomen.

View Question and Answer

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

The nurse is caring for a client in the intensive care unit following a closed head injury. The nurse can anticipate which medication would be administered to treat an increase in intracranial pressure?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client with a pre-existing cardiovascular disease and atrial fibrillation. What type of stroke is this client at increased risk to have?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has peptic ulcer disease. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following findings as an indication of gastrointestinal perforation?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client with fluid volume overload. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The nurse is administering a controlled substance that falls into the category of Schedule I. Which of the following displays the appropriate abuse potential for Schedule I drugs?

The nurse should be aware that Barrett's esophagus is a complication from what medical condition if left untreated?

A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who has pulmonary edema and is about to start taking furosemide. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A nurse teaches the patient about the prescribed sublingual medication. Which statement by the patient indicates teaching by the nurse is successful?

A nurse is giving a presentation about preventing deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following should the nurse include as a risk factor for this disorder? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who had a myocardial infarction 3 hours ago. The nurse should expect which of the following laboratory values to be elevated?

A nurse is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as having an increased risk of aspiration while eating (select all that apply)?