The nurse notices a yellow stain around fluid dripping from a patient’s ear who sustained a traumatic brain injury. The nurse's priority intervention will be as follows:
prevent the drainage by applying a tight pressure dressing
administer antibiotics due to increased risk of infection
allow fluid to drain from the patient's car onto gauze and notify
hang intravenous (IV) fluids to replace fluids lost and prevent dehydration
The Correct Answer is C
A) Prevent the drainage by applying a tight pressure dressing:
Applying a tight pressure dressing is not the appropriate intervention in this case. The presence of fluid draining from the ear, particularly a yellow stain, could indicate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, which is a potential sign of a skull fracture or traumatic brain injury (TBI) involving the base of the skull. Applying a tight pressure dressing could potentially increase pressure or cause further injury.
B) Administer antibiotics due to increased risk of infection:
While there is an increased risk of infection with a CSF leak, antibiotics should not be administered immediately unless there is clear evidence of an infection. The priority action is to identify whether the fluid is CSF, as antibiotics alone will not address the underlying issue of a CSF leak. The nurse should allow the fluid to drain, collect a sample, and notify the healthcare provider for further assessment, which may include imaging or testing for the presence of CSF.
C) Allow fluid to drain from the patient's ear onto gauze and notify the healthcare provider:
The yellow stain around the fluid dripping from the patient's ear suggests the possibility of CSF leakage, a sign of a skull base fracture. CSF leakage may occur after a traumatic brain injury and should be handled carefully. The nurse's priority action is to allow the fluid to drain onto gauze to prevent the buildup of pressure and to prevent further leakage into the ear canal. The nurse should also immediately notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
D) Hang intravenous (IV) fluids to replace fluids lost and prevent dehydration:
While IV fluids may be necessary in some cases for patients with trauma, the priority in this situation is to identify the source and nature of the drainage. If the fluid is CSF, it may be important to manage the leak appropriately rather than focusing solely on replacing fluids. The nurse should first confirm whether the fluid is CSF and notify the healthcare provider for further assessment and management. Replacing fluids may be necessary, but it is not the immediate priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["13.7"]
Explanation
Given:
Ordered dose of Furosemide: 1 mg/kg
Patient weight: 121 lbs
Concentration of Furosemide: 40 mg/10 mL (4 mg/mL)
Step 1: Convert patient weight from pounds to kilograms:
1 pound (lb) = 0.453592 kilograms (kg)
Patient weight in kg = 121 lbs x 0.453592 kg/lb = 54.877832 kg
Step 2: Calculate the total dose of Furosemide:
Total dose (mg) = Ordered dose (mg/kg) x Patient weight (kg)
Total dose (mg) = 1 mg/kg x 54.877832 kg
Total dose (mg) = 54.877832 mg
Step 3: Calculate the volume to be administered:
Volume (mL) = Total dose (mg) / Concentration (mg/mL)
Volume (mL) = 54.877832 mg / 4 mg/mL
Volume (mL) = 13.719458 mL
Step 4: Round to the nearest tenth:
Volume (mL) ≈ 13.7 mL
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Dyspnea, crackles, hypertension, and edema:
These symptoms suggest a transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) or circulatory overload (TACO), both of which are potentially life-threatening conditions. In cases of TRALI or TACO, the nurse should stop the transfusion immediately but should NOT administer 0.9% normal saline because saline could exacerbate fluid overload and worsen pulmonary edema. Instead, the nurse should focus on managing respiratory distress, ensuring proper oxygenation, and notifying the healthcare provider for further intervention.
B) Low back pain, hypotension, and tachycardia:
These symptoms are typically indicative of a hemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR), which requires immediate intervention. In this case, the transfusion should be stopped immediately, but the nurse should begin administering 0.9% normal saline to help maintain the patient's blood pressure and promote kidney perfusion to prevent renal damage.
C) Urticaria, itching, wheezing, angioedema:
These symptoms are characteristic of a mild allergic reaction to the blood transfusion. In this case, the nurse should stop the transfusion and administer 0.9% normal saline to maintain the patient’s hydration and blood pressure while managing the allergic reaction. The healthcare provider may order antihistamines or corticosteroids to treat the allergic symptoms.
D) Chest tightness, fever, chills/rigors:
These are common symptoms of a febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction (FNHTR), which is generally not life-threatening. The nurse should stop the transfusion but can continue administering 0.9% normal saline to support hydration and circulation. FNHTR is often managed with antipyretics (e.g., acetaminophen) to reduce fever and chills, and the transfusion may be resumed if symptoms resolve
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.