The nurse is caring for a patient with an acute brain injury. Which of the following sets of vital signs would concern the nurse about increasing intracranial pressure (ICP)?

T 92.5 F (33.6 C), BP 90/64, HR 80, RR 14, 02 Sat 97% Room Air

T 98.7 F (36.4 C), BP 220/46, HR 30, RR 6, O2 Sat 98% Room Air

T 98.6 F (37 C), BP 200/94, HR 90, RR 18, 02 Sat 100% Room Air

T 103.1 F (39.5 C), BP 82/50, HR 132, RR 30, O2 Sat 99% Room Air

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. The low blood pressure (90/64) may indicate hypovolemia or shock but is not specific for ICP concerns.

B. This set of vital signs is concerning due to the extremely high blood pressure (220/46) combined with a very low heart rate (30) and low respiratory rate (6), which can indicate an autonomic response to increased ICP, potentially leading to Cushing's triad (hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations).

C. Although the blood pressure is high (200/94), the heart rate is normal and the respiratory rate is stable, making this less alarming compared to option B.

D. The elevated temperature and abnormal heart rate (132) indicate potential fever and tachycardia, but the blood pressure (82/50) is low and does not directly indicate increased ICP.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Reorienting confused patients is important but is not directly related to cerebellar injury.

B. While turning every 2 hours is important to prevent pressure injuries, it does not address the specific fall risk associated with cerebellar damage.

C. The cerebellum is responsible for balance and coordination, so injuries in this area increase the risk of falls. Ensuring the bed alarm is on provides immediate alerts if the patient attempts to get out of bed, helping to prevent falls.

D. Varying the schedule to prevent boredom is not a priority in the care of patients with cerebellar injury.

A. Ability to process multiple pieces of information at the same time B. Playing chess with fellow patients within one week of admission C. Difficulty planning and organizing thoughts and behaviors D. Being increasingly non-compliant with therapeutic care plans

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Chronic head injury patients often struggle with processing multiple pieces of information simultaneously due to cognitive limitations.

B. Activities requiring complex strategy, like chess, are typically challenging shortly after admission and not a realistic expectation.

C. Difficulty with planning and organizing thoughts and behaviors is a common cognitive deficit in patients with chronic head injury due to impaired executive function, often resulting from damage to the frontal lobe.

D. While non-compliance can occur, it is less predictable and may not be directly linked to chronic head injury itself.

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The nurse is caring for a patient with an acute brain injury. Which of the following sets of vital signs would concern the nurse about increasing intracranial pressure (ICP)?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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