When caring for an unconscious client with increasing intracranial pressure, the nursing intervention that is contraindicated is :

Elevating the head of the bed 20 degrees

Cleansing the eyes every 4 hours with normal saline

Lubricating the skin with baby oil

Suctioning the oropharynx routinely

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason : Elevating the head of the bed to 20 degrees can help reduce intracranial pressure by promoting venous drainage from the brain. It is a recommended practice unless contraindicated by other conditions³.

Choice B reason : Cleansing the eyes with normal saline every 4 hours is a standard care procedure to maintain eye hygiene and prevent infection, especially when the blink reflex may be compromised in an unconscious patient³.

Choice C reason : Lubricating the skin with baby oil is a common practice to prevent dryness and maintain skin integrity. It is not contraindicated unless the patient has specific allergies or skin conditions that require different care³.

Choice D reason : Suctioning the oropharynx routinely is contraindicated as it can stimulate the vagus nerve and potentially increase intracranial pressure. Suctioning should be performed cautiously and only when necessary³.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason : The plantar reflex, also known as the Babinski sign, is elicited by stroking the lateral aspect of the sole of the foot. A positive response is indicated by dorsiflexion of the big toe and fanning of the other toes. This reflex is normal in infants but may indicate central nervous system damage in adults¹. However, it is not specifically associated with meningeal irritation.

Choice B reason : Kernig's sign is a clinical sign wherein the patient experiences severe stiffness of the hamstrings causing an inability to straighten the leg when the hip is flexed to 90 degrees. This sign can indicate meningeal irritation but is not as early a sign as Brudzinski's sign².

Choice C reason : Brudzinski's sign is one of the most indicative signs of meningeal irritation. When the neck is flexed, there is involuntary flexion of the hips and knees. This reflex is an early sign of meningeal irritation and is considered a critical manifestation in assessing meningitis following head trauma².

Choice D reason : Sunsetting eyes, characterized by the downward deviation of the eyes, is associated with increased intracranial pressure, which can occur in conditions like hydrocephalus. While it may be seen in the context of brain injury, it is not a specific sign of meningeal irritation³.

A. Tetany and complaints of stiffness of the hands. B. Exophthalmos and complaints of nervousness. C. Reports of extreme fatigue and hair loss. D. Reports of profuse sweating and flushed skin.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason : Tetany and stiffness of the hands are not typical symptoms of hypothyroidism. Tetany is usually associated with hypocalcemia, which is not a direct result of hypothyroidism⁶.

Choice B reason : Exophthalmos and nervousness are symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Exophthalmos, the bulging of the eyes, is particularly associated with Graves' disease, a type of hyperthyroidism⁶.

Choice C reason : Extreme fatigue and hair loss are common symptoms of hypothyroidism. The condition can lead to a slowing down of the body's metabolic processes, resulting in fatigue. Hair loss is also a frequent complaint due to the effects of reduced thyroid hormone levels on hair follicles⁶⁷⁸.

Choice D reason : Profuse sweating and flushed skin are more indicative of hyperthyroidism or other conditions, not hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism typically leads to cold intolerance and dry skin⁶.

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When caring for an unconscious client with increasing intracranial pressure, the nursing intervention that is contraindicated is :

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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