What would you advise the patient and family to do when discharging patient home following a head injury?
Return to hospital immediately if patient is having severe headache or vomiting
Return to hospital immediately for changes in level of consciousness
Call ambulance if unable to arouse patient
All of the above
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A: Return to hospital immediately if patient is having severe headache or vomiting is correct because it can indicate increased intracranial pressure, bleeding, swelling, or infection in the brain. These are serious complications that can cause permanent damage or death. The patient and family should seek medical atention as soon as possible and not wait for other symptoms to appear.
Choice B: Return to hospital immediately for changes in level of consciousness is correct because it can also indicate worsening brain injury or complications from a head injury. Changes in level of consciousness can include confusion, drowsiness, agitation, or loss of awareness. The patient and family should monitor the patient's mental status and alertness and report any changes to the doctor.
Choice C: Call ambulance if unable to arouse patient is correct because it can mean that the patient has lost consciousness or is in a coma. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention and resuscitation. The patient and family should not atempt to move or transport the patient by themselves but call for professional help.
Choice D: All of the above are correct because they are important instructions for the patient and family to follow when discharging patient home following a head injury. They can help prevent further harm or complications and ensure prompt treatment and recovery. The nurse should educate the patient and family about these instructions and provide them with writen information and contact numbers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Unresponsiveness to the environment, makes no movement or sound but sometimes opens eyes is a description of akinetic mutism, as it is a state of severe apathy and reduced motor activity caused by damage to the frontal lobes or basal ganglia.
Choice B: Devoid of cognitive function but has sleep-wake cycles is not a description of akinetic mutism, but rather a description of persistent vegetative state, as it is a state of minimal awareness and responsiveness caused by widespread brain damage.
Choice C: Unconsciousness, unarousable unresponsiveness is not a description of akinetic mutism, but rather a description of coma, as it is a state of complete loss of consciousness and reflexes caused by severe brain injury.
Choice D: Inability to move or respond except for eye movements due to a lesion affecting the pons is not a description of akinetic mutism, but rather a description of locked-in syndrome, as it is a state of complete paralysis and preserved consciousness caused by damage to the brainstem.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Maintenance of clear airway is a goal for a patient with altered level of consciousness, as it can prevent aspiration, hypoxia, and respiratory failure.
Choice B: Maintenance of skin integrity is a goal for a patient with altered level of consciousness, as it can prevent pressure ulcers, infection, and sepsis.
Choice C: Protection from injury is a goal for a patient with altered level of consciousness, as it can prevent falls, fractures, and trauma.
Choice D: All of the above is correct, as all of these goals are relevant for a patient with altered level of consciousness.
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.