The nurse is caring for a patient whose recent health history includes an altered level of consciousness. What should be the nurse’s initial action when assessing this patient?
Assessing the patient’s ability to follow complex commands
Assessing the patient’s judgment
Assessing the patient’s verbal response
Assessing the patient’s response to pain
The Correct Answer is D
Choice D rationale
When assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness, the nurse’s initial action should be to assess the patient’s response to pain. This is a fundamental part of the neurological examination and can provide valuable information about the patient’s level of consciousness and neurological function. Pain response can be assessed by applying a painful stimulus, such as a pinch, and observing the patient’s reaction.
Choice A rationale
Assessing the patient’s ability to follow complex commands is an important part of the neurological examination, but it is not typically the initial action when assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness. This assessment requires a higher level of cognitive function and may not be possible in a patient with significantly altered consciousness.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the patient’s judgment is an important part of the mental status examination, but it is not typically the initial action when assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness. Like the ability to follow complex commands, judgment requires a higher level of cognitive function and may not be assessable in a patient with significantly altered consciousness.
Choice C rationale
Assessing the patient’s verbal response is an important part of the neurological examination, but it is not typically the initial action when assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness. The patient’s ability to speak and the content of their speech can provide important information about their neurological function, but this assessment may not be possible in a patient with significantly altered consciousness.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness and fatigue of voluntary muscles. Edrophonium is a medication that is used in the diagnosis and treatment of myasthenia gravis. It works by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that transmits signals in the nervous system, thereby improving muscle strength.
Choice B rationale
Myasthenia gravis is not a disorder of motor and sensory dysfunction. It primarily affects the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue. Sensory function is typically not affected in myasthenia gravis.
Choice C rationale
This statement is correct in that myasthenia gravis does not cause sensory impairment. However, it does not indicate an understanding of the disease as a whole, as it does not address the primary symptom of muscle weakness.
Choice D rationale
Myasthenia gravis does cause progressive muscle weakness, but it does not cause sensory deficits. Therefore, this statement indicates a partial understanding of the disease.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Antiviral therapy is typically used to treat viral infections. However, meningitis is most commonly caused by bacteria. Therefore, antiviral therapy would not be the most effective treatment in this case.
Choice B rationale
Antibiotic therapy is the standard treatment for bacterial meningitis. The specific antibiotic or combination of antibiotics used depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection.
Therefore, after reviewing lab results that suggest meningitis, the nurse would anticipate the provider to prescribe antibiotic therapy.
Choice C rationale
Antiemetics are medications that help prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, which can be symptoms of meningitis, but they do not treat the underlying cause of meningitis.
Choice D rationale
Analgesics are used to relieve pain. While they might be used to manage the headache often associated with meningitis, they would not treat the infection itself.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.