What condition does the nurse suspect when a patient involved in a motor vehicle accident arrives at the emergency department with ecchymosis behind the ears and bleeding from the ears?
Epidural hematoma.
Ischemic stroke.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Basilar skull fracture.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: An epidural hematoma is a type of traumatic brain injury where blood accumulates between the dura mater and the skull. While it can cause severe symptoms, including headache, loss of consciousness, and neurological deficits, it does not typically present with ecchymosis behind the ears (Battle's sign) or bleeding from the ears. These signs are more indicative of a basilar skull fracture.
Choice B reason: An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain, causing reduced blood flow and oxygen to the brain tissue. Symptoms of an ischemic stroke include sudden weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, and vision problems. However, it does not cause ecchymosis behind the ears or bleeding from the ears, which are specific signs of a basilar skull fracture.
Choice C reason: A subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding into the space between the brain and the tissue covering the brain (subarachnoid space). It often presents with a sudden, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. While it is a serious condition, it does not typically cause ecchymosis behind the ears or bleeding from the ears.
Choice D reason: A basilar skull fracture is
The correct answer. This type of fracture involves the base of the skull and can cause characteristic signs such as ecchymosis behind the ears (Battle's sign) and bleeding from the ears due to the proximity of the fracture to the auditory canal and other structures. These symptoms are key indicators of a basilar skull fracture and require immediate medical attention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Vasopressin (Desmopressin) is not primarily used to decrease blood pressure. It is an antidiuretic hormone that helps manage diabetes insipidus by reducing urine output. While vasopressin can have vasoconstrictive effects, its primary role in this context is to control urine production, not blood pressure.
Choice B reason: The primary therapeutic outcome of vasopressin (Desmopressin) in a patient with diabetes insipidus is to decrease urine output. Diabetes insipidus leads to excessive urine production and dehydration. Vasopressin acts on the kidneys to increase water reabsorption, thereby reducing urine volume and helping to maintain fluid balance.
Choice C reason: Level of consciousness is not a direct therapeutic outcome of vasopressin (Desmopressin). While managing fluid balance can indirectly affect a patient's overall condition and well-being, vasopressin specifically targets the kidneys to reduce urine output and does not have a direct impact on consciousness levels.
Choice D reason: Specific gravity refers to the concentration of solutes in the urine. While vasopressin can affect the specific gravity by concentrating the urine and reducing volume, the primary therapeutic goal is to manage urine output in patients with diabetes insipidus. The focus is on reducing the excessive urine production rather than altering specific gravity.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Warfarin is an anticoagulant commonly used in patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent the formation of blood clots. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke due to the potential for blood clots forming in the heart and traveling to the brain. Warfarin helps reduce this risk by thinning the blood and preventing clot formation.
Choice B reason: Atropine is used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate) and is not typically used for patients with atrial fibrillation. Its primary function is to increase the heart rate by blocking the vagus nerve's effects on the heart. In the context of atrial fibrillation, anticoagulation is more crucial to prevent complications like stroke.
Choice C reason: Dobutamine is an inotropic agent used to increase cardiac output in patients with heart failure or cardiogenic shock. It is not used for managing atrial fibrillation. Dobutamine works by stimulating the heart to pump more effectively but does not address the risks associated with atrial fibrillation, such as blood clot formation.
Choice D reason: Magnesium sulfate is used to treat various conditions, including torsades de pointes (a type of abnormal heart rhythm) and severe asthma attacks. It is not typically used for atrial fibrillation. The focus in atrial fibrillation management is on controlling the heart rate or rhythm and preventing thromboembolic complications with anticoagulation therapy.
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