The nurse is teaching a class to a group of staff nurses about traumatic brain injury which condition would the nurse identify as having the highest risk of a fatal outcome within the first 24 hours post-injury?
Subdural hematoma
Diffuse axonal injury
Intracranial hemorrhage
Epidural hematoma
The Correct Answer is D
A. Subdural hematoma: Subdural hematomas develop more slowly and typically present a higher risk for delayed deterioration, but not usually within the first 24 hours.
B. Diffuse axonal injury: While severe, diffuse axonal injury typically causes a prolonged coma rather than immediate fatality within 24 hours.
C. Intracranial hemorrhage: This is severe but often depends on the size and location of the bleed.
D. Epidural hematoma: Epidural hematomas are associated with arterial bleeding and rapid deterioration due to increased intracranial pressure, making them the most fatal within 24 hours.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A client with left-sided heart failure on oxygen via nasal cannula: This client is at risk for respiratory distress due to pulmonary congestion. Immediate assessment is needed to ensure oxygenation and manage potential deterioration.
B. A client with syncope who is being discharged today: This client is stable if being discharged, so assessment can be delayed.
C. A client scheduled for a cardiac ultrasound this morning: This is a non-urgent diagnostic procedure and does not take priority.
D. A client with controlled atrial fibrillation with a heart rate of 82: Controlled atrial fibrillation indicates stability, so this client can be assessed later.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Heart rate of 134 bpm. A heart rate of 134 bpm is expected during a cardiac stress test, as the goal is to increase the heart rate to a target range to evaluate cardiac function under stress.
B. Mild shortness of breath. Mild shortness of breath is a common response to exercise and is not an indication to stop the test unless it becomes severe or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like chest pain or cyanosis.
C. Three premature ventricular contractions in a row indicate a potential serious arrhythmia (ventricular tachycardia), which is a contraindication for continuing the stress test. This finding could place the client at risk for life-threatening cardiac events, such as ventricular fibrillation.
D. Blood pressure 152/88 mmHg. This is a slightly elevated but normal physiological response to exercise and does not warrant discontinuation of the test unless the blood pressure rises to dangerously high levels (e.g., >200/110 mmHg).
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