The nurse is caring for a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with a ventriculostomy and intracranial pressure (ICP) reading of 30mmHg. The nurse notes a widened pulse pressure, irregular respirations. and bradycardia. The neurosurgeon instructs the nurse to drain cerebrospinal fluid. The nurse would also anticipate which medication administration order from the provider?

3% Normal Saline

Nitroprusside

Norepinephrine

Furosemide

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) 3% Normal Saline:
Elevated ICP can lead to a life-threatening condition known as cerebral herniation, and it often triggers the Cushing’s triad—widened pulse pressure, bradycardia, and irregular respirations, all of which the nurse has noted. Hypertonic saline (such as 3% Normal Saline) is commonly used to manage increased ICP because it creates an osmotic gradient that draws fluid out of the brain tissue, reducing cerebral edema and lowering ICP. The goal is to reduce swelling and prevent further brain damage.

B) Nitroprusside:
Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator that is used to treat hypertension and reduce afterload in conditions like heart failure or aortic dissection. However, in this case, nitroprusside is contraindicated because it could cause a drop in systemic blood pressure, which would worsen cerebral perfusion in a patient with elevated ICP.

C) Norepinephrine:
Norepinephrine is a vasopressor used to treat hypotension by increasing systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure. Although norepinephrine may be used to support blood pressure in critically ill patients, in this context of elevated ICP, the priority is to reduce ICP, not to increase blood pressure further. Increasing the systemic vascular resistance with norepinephrine could exacerbate ICP by increasing the volume of blood in the cranium

D) Furosemide:
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can reduce fluid volume and help treat conditions like edema or heart failure. While furosemide can reduce overall fluid volume, it is not typically used to manage elevated ICP in this context. Diuretics like furosemide may have a role in managing cerebral edema, but they are not as effective as hypertonic saline in rapidly reducing ICP.

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Correct Answer is ["D","E"]

Explanation

A) Ascites
Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, is not a typical initial assessment finding in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). While ascites can occur in some cancers or in cases of liver failure, it is not a hallmark or common finding in ALL. The focus in ALL would generally be on hematologic and immunologic symptoms rather than fluid accumulation in the abdomen.

B) Alopecia
Alopecia (hair loss) is more commonly associated with chemotherapy treatment for leukemia rather than the leukemia itself. While chemotherapy for ALL can lead to hair loss, it is not typically an initial symptom of the disease itself. Alopecia may appear later, as a side effect of cancer treatment.

C) Generalized edema
Generalized edema (swelling) is not a common or early sign of acute lymphocytic leukemia. While edema can occur in certain malignancies or complications (like in cases of renal failure or heart failure), it is not typically an initial presenting symptom of ALL. The key manifestations of ALL tend to relate to hematologic abnormalities, rather than fluid accumulation.

D) Petechiae
Petechiae (small, red or purple spots on the skin) are a common finding in ALL. They occur due to thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), which is a hallmark of leukemia. Thrombocytopenia impairs the blood’s ability to clot, leading to bleeding under the skin. Petechiae is often one of the first visible signs of blood dyscrasia in leukemia patients.

E) Epistaxis
Epistaxis (nosebleeds) is another common initial finding in ALL. Like petechiae, epistaxis occurs due to thrombocytopenia, which impairs normal clotting and leads to spontaneous bleeding. Nosebleeds are frequently observed in patients with low platelet counts, especially in leukemia.

A. Ensure bed alarm is on when leaving patient's room B. Vary schedule to prevent memorization and boredom C. Clarify misinformation and reorient when confused D. Deep breathing and incentive spirometer education

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Ensure bed alarm is on when leaving patient's room:
The cerebellum plays a critical role in coordinating movement, balance, and motor control. An injury to this area can lead to impaired coordination and dysfunction in balance, making it difficult for the patient to perform the Romberg test (which evaluates balance and proprioception). Given that the patient cannot complete the Romberg test, this suggests the risk of falling or injuring themselves due to impaired balance and coordination. The priority nursing intervention is to ensure safety by using a bed alarm to alert staff if the patient attempts to get out of bed, thereby preventing falls.

B) Vary schedule to prevent memorization and boredom:
While changing the patient's routine may help with engagement, it is not the priority intervention for a patient with cerebellar injury. The primary concern in this situation is safety due to the patient's impaired balance. Addressing issues related to cognitive function or boredom may be important but comes after ensuring the patient’s physical safety.

C) Clarify misinformation and reorient when confused:
Reorientation may be necessary if the patient is confused or disoriented, but this is not the primary concern related to cerebellar injury. The patient’s balance and motor coordination are the most pressing issues. While mental clarity is important, preventing falls due to impaired motor control is the immediate priority.

D) Deep breathing and incentive spirometer education:
Deep breathing exercises and using an incentive spirometer are essential to prevent respiratory complications, particularly after surgery or immobility. However, in this case, the priority concern is the patient's safety related to impaired balance from the cerebellar injury. Respiratory interventions are important but should be addressed after ensuring that the patient is safe from falls and other immediate physical risks.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which initial assessment findings would the nurse expect in a client diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia ALL? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

Correct Answer is ["D","E"]

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with an injury to the cerebellum who cannot complete the Romberg Test. Which nursing intervention is priority?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A patient is ordered 1 mg/kg of furosemide IV push. The patient weights 121 lbs. The medication is supplied 40 mg/10 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer? (round to the nearest tenth)

The nurse should implement which safety consideration for a patient when administering oral radioactive iodine for thyroid cancer? The patient should:

The nurse is preparing to administer a unit of packed red blood cells (PRBC's) to a patient whose blood type is A- (negative). The nurse knows that this patient can receive transfusions from which blood types? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY).

A nurse is assisting the provider to care for trauma patient who has been diagnosed with a hemothorax. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first to treat this cause of obstructive shock?

What does the nurse identify as INDIRECT cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

A patient is to receive a bolus of Heparin 20 units/kg. The patient weighs 132 lbs. The medication is supplied as 25,000 units/250 mL. How many mL will the nurse give? (round to the nearest whole number)

A nurse is assessing a client who has mitral valve stenosis Which of the following findings should the nurse except?

Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide a client who is receiving radiation therapy for lung cancer when teaching about skin care?