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
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Confusion: While confusion may occur in some neurological conditions, it is not directly associated with a positive Romberg test result.
B. Aphasia: Aphasia refers to difficulty with language and communication and is typically associated with brain injury or stroke, not with a positive Romberg test result.
C. Pain: Pain is not directly assessed by the Romberg test. However, a positive Romberg test result may indicate sensory ataxia, which can contribute to difficulty with proprioception and coordination, potentially leading to increased risk of injury and pain.
D. Falls: A positive Romberg test result indicates impaired proprioception and balance,
increasing the risk of falls, especially in older adults or individuals with neurological conditions. This is the expected problem associated with a positive Romberg test result.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. BP 190/84, HR 50, and an irregular respiratory pattern is characteristic of Cushing's triad, a classic sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Cushing's triad includes hypertension with a widened pulse pressure, bradycardia, and irregular or abnormal respirations. The elevated blood pressure occurs as a compensatory mechanism to maintain cerebral perfusion, while bradycardia and irregular respirations result from brainstem compression.
B. BP 190/84, HR 150, and an irregular respiratory pattern is incorrect because tachycardia (HR 150) is not part of Cushing's triad. Increased ICP typically causes bradycardia due to brainstem involvement.
C. BP 80/50, HR 50, and Kussmaul respirations: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid respirations commonly seen in metabolic acidosis, not typically associated with increased intracranial pressure.
D. BP 80/50, HR 150, and Cheyne-Stokes respirations: Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by alternating periods of deep breathing followed by apnea and are often seen in conditions affecting the brainstem, but they are not specific to increased intracranial pressure.
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