The nurse is caring for a patient with an acute head injury. Which assessment finding would first alert the nurse that the patient is developing an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Altered mental status

Tachycardia and hypotension

Fixed and dilated pupils

Widening pulse pressure

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Altered mental status, such as confusion, restlessness, or lethargy, is often the earliest sign of increasing ICP as it reflects brain tissue compression.

B. Tachycardia and hypotension are not primary indicators of elevated ICP.

C. Fixed and dilated pupils indicate severe and often irreversible ICP increase, occurring later in the progression.

D. Widening pulse pressure is a later sign of increased ICP, following changes in mental status.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Anesthetic eye drops can help with pain, but irrigation is the priority to prevent further damage.

B. A visual acuity exam is part of the assessment but should be performed after initial irrigation to prevent further damage.

C. Determining the pH of the chemical splash can guide further treatment but is secondary to immediate irrigation to dilute and remove the chemical.

D. Irrigating both eyes with normal saline is the priority action to dilute and flush out the chemical, reducing the risk of further injury.

A. Frequent passive range of motion B. Coughing and deep breathing exercises once per shift C. Turn patient every 4 hours D. Ambulate patient twice per shift

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Frequent passive range of motion exercises are crucial for preventing complications of immobility, such as contractures and pressure ulcers, and to promote circulation in patients with spinal cord injuries.

B. While coughing and deep breathing exercises are important for respiratory health, they should be performed more frequently than once per shift in patients with reduced mobility to prevent respiratory complications.

C. Turning the patient every 4 hours may not be adequate to prevent pressure ulcers; typically, patients should be turned at least every 2 hours.

D. Patients with a complete spinal cord injury at C7 typically lack the ability to ambulate, making this intervention inappropriate.

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The nurse is caring for a patient with an acute head injury. Which assessment finding would first alert the nurse that the patient is developing an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a patient with a complete spinal cord injury at the level of C7. Which intervention would the nurse implement in order to prevent complications related to immobility?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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