When assessing the client with meningitis, the nurse looks for which manifestation as a frequent first sign of increased intracranial pressure?

A rising systolic blood pressure

Change in mood or attention level

Irregular respiratory rate and depth

A bounding radial pulse

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. A rising systolic blood pressure: While increased intracranial pressure can lead to changes in blood pressure, it is not typically the first sign observed. Changes in blood pressure may occur later in the progression of increased intracranial pressure.

B. Change in mood or attention level: Changes in mood, behavior, or level of consciousness are often early signs of increased intracranial pressure. These changes may include irritability, confusion, restlessness, or lethargy.

C. Irregular respiratory rate and depth: Respiratory changes such as irregular breathing patterns or Cheyne-Stokes respirations can occur with increased intracranial pressure, but they are not typically the first sign observed.

D. A bounding radial pulse: While changes in pulse rate or quality may occur with increased
intracranial pressure, a bounding radial pulse is not typically the first sign observed. It may occur later in the progression of increased intracranial pressure as compensation mechanisms fail.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Send the patient for a computed tomography (CT) scan: While obtaining a CT scan is important for diagnosing potential causes of the patient's left-sided hemiparesis, assessing the patient's respiratory status takes precedence to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

B. Check the respiratory rate and effort: Assessing the patient's respiratory rate and effort is the first priority to identify any signs of respiratory distress or compromise. Adequate oxygenation and ventilation are essential for maintaining vital organ function.

C. Assess the Glasgow Coma Scale score: While assessing the Glasgow Coma Scale score is important for evaluating the patient's level of consciousness and neurological status, it is not the first action to take in a patient with potential respiratory compromise.

D. Take the patient's blood pressure: While obtaining the patient's blood pressure is important for assessing hemodynamic stability, it is not the first priority when the patient presents with left-sided hemiparesis and may be at risk for respiratory compromise.

A. Restlessness B. Amnesia C. Tachycardia D. Hypotension

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Restlessness: Restlessness is a common early sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in clients with traumatic brain injury. It can result from discomfort, confusion, or agitation due to pressure on the brain.

B. Amnesia: Amnesia, or memory loss, can occur with traumatic brain injury but is not specifically indicative of increased intracranial pressure.

C. Tachycardia: Tachycardia may occur in response to various factors such as pain, stress, or fever, but it is not a specific indicator of increased intracranial pressure.

D. Hypotension: Hypotension (low blood pressure) is not typically associated with increased intracranial pressure. In fact, hypertension (high blood pressure) may be a compensatory response to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure in the setting of elevated ICP.

View Question and Answer

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

When assessing the client with meningitis, the nurse looks for which manifestation as a frequent first sign of increased intracranial pressure?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A 70-year-old female patient with left-sided hemiparesis arrives by ambulance to the emergency department. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has a traumatic brain injury. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A patient is being admitted with a possible stroke. Which information from the assessment indicates that the nurse should consult with the health care provider before giving a prescribed dose of aspirin?

An acute care nurse receives shift report for a client who has increased intracranial pressure. The nurse is told that the client demonstrates decorticate posturing. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to observe when assessing the client?

A nurse is receiving a transfer report for a client who has a head injury. The client has a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 3 for eye opening, 5 for best verbal response, and 5 for best motor response. Which of the following is an appropriate conclusion based on this data?

A nurse is creating a plan of care for a client who has a history of tonic-clonic seizure disorder. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

What action should the nurse include in completing a health history and physical assessment for a 36-yr-old female patient with possible multiple sclerosis (MS)?

A nurse in the emergency department is monitoring a client who has a cervical spinal cord injury from a fall. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following complications? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is caring for a 24-year-old client who reports a recent fall, hitting their head and right shoulder. Exhibits Complete the following sentence by using the list of options. The nurse should first address the client's dropdown followed by the client's dropdown