The nurse is caring for a patient in the ICU with a diagnosis of acute closed head injury whose intracranial pressure (ICP) is 30mmHg. What is the priority action by the nurse?
Suction the patient to minimize secretions
Continue with the assessment and document the finding
Notify the physician and raise HOB to 35-45 degrees
Lower the head of the bed and pad the side rails
The Correct Answer is C
A. Suctioning can increase ICP due to the Valsalva response and should only be done if absolutely necessary.
B. Documenting without intervention could lead to worsening of the patient's condition.
C. Notifying the physician and raising the head of the bed helps to reduce ICP by promoting venous drainage. An ICP of 30 mmHg is critically high, requiring immediate intervention to prevent further damage.
D. Lowering the head of the bed can increase ICP further; head elevation is recommended to improve cerebral drainage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While anxiety can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, the context of this patient’s experience with seizures indicates that it is specifically related to the seizure disorder rather than an independent anxiety issue.
B. The sensation of "butterflies" is not typically related to hunger, as hunger is more commonly associated with physical feelings of emptiness or pain rather than a specific butterfly sensation.
C. An aura is a perceptual disturbance experienced by some patients with seizure disorders that precedes a seizure. It can manifest as various sensations, including gastrointestinal feelings like "butterflies," which serve as a warning sign that a seizure is imminent.
D. A postictal sign refers to the state of confusion or altered consciousness following a seizure, rather than sensations experienced prior to the seizure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The occipital lobe primarily processes visual information and is less involved in object identification errors.
B. The frontal lobe governs behavior, personality, and decision-making rather than object identification.
C. The parietal lobe is involved in processing sensory information and object recognition. Misidentifying objects can indicate damage to this area of the brain.
D. The temporal lobe is associated with auditory processing and memory, not typically object recognition errors.
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