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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

- A) Extension of the arms is incorrect because decorticate posturing is characterized by flexion into the body, not extension away from it.
- B) External rotation of the lower extremities is not associated with decorticate posturing, which involves movements primarily of the upper extremities.
- C) Pronation of the hands is incorrect as decorticate posturing typically involves flexion of the arms, wrists, and fingers into the chest.
- D) Plantar flexion of the legs is correct because decorticate posturing includes internal rotation and flexion of the arms and wrists, with the legs extended and feet plantar flexed.

A. Intracranial pressure B. Respiratory status C. Temperature D. Serum electrolytes

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Intracranial pressure: Monitoring intracranial pressure is important in clients with a history of subdural hematoma, but immediate assessment of respiratory status takes precedence in the immediate postoperative period to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

B. Respiratory status: Following evacuation of a subdural hematoma, the client may be at risk for respiratory compromise due to factors such as altered consciousness, impaired airway reflexes, or postoperative complications. Assessing respiratory rate, depth, oxygen saturation, and presence of respiratory distress is essential for early detection and intervention.

C. Temperature: Monitoring temperature is important for detecting signs of infection or systemic complications, but it is not the priority assessment immediately following evacuation of a subdural hematoma.

D. Serum electrolytes: While monitoring serum electrolytes is important for overall assessment and management of the client's condition, it is not the priority assessment in the immediate postoperative period following evacuation of a subdural hematoma.

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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

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?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client 4 hours following evacuation of a subdural hematoma. Which of the following assessments is the nurse's priority?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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