Which assessment technique should the nurse use to confirm the presence of papilledema in a client with a rapidly decreasing level of consciousness?
Inspection.
Auscultation.
Palpation.
Percussion.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Inspection. Papilledema, swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure, is primarily assessed through inspection of the optic disc using an ophthalmoscope. The nurse would look for optic disc swelling and blurred disc margins.
B. Auscultation. Auscultation is not appropriate for assessing papilledema, as it involves listening for sounds such as heart, lung, or bowel sounds.
C. Palpation. Palpation is not appropriate for assessing papilledema, as it involves touching and feeling for abnormalities, which would not be possible with the optic disc.
D. Percussion. Percussion is not appropriate for assessing papilledema, as it involves tapping the body surface to elicit sounds or vibrations, which would not provide information about the optic disc.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A: Apply a pulse oximeter to the foot. Continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation can help detect hypoxemia early, which can be a concern in post-term infants due to potential respiratory distress or meconium aspiration. However, while important, this is a monitoring measure and not an immediate corrective action for potential metabolic or respiratory issues directly associated with post-term birth.
B: Draw arterial blood gases. Arterial blood gases (ABGs) provide critical information about the newborn's acid-base balance, oxygenation, and ventilation status. Post-term infants are at risk for hypoxia and acidosis, often due to placental insufficiency or meconium aspiration. However, obtaining ABGs can be invasive and might not be the first-line immediate action unless there are signs of severe distress.
C: Obtain a capillary blood glucose. Post-term infants are at increased risk for hypoglycaemia due to increased glucose utilization and possible depletion of glycogen stores. Hypoglycaemia can lead to serious complications if not promptly identified and managed. Therefore, checking blood glucose levels is a critical, non-invasive, and immediate step to ensure metabolic stability and prevent complications such as seizures and brain injury.
D: Provide blow-by oxygen. Blow-by oxygen is used to provide supplemental oxygen in a non-invasive manner and can help in cases of mild respiratory distress. Post-term infants can be at risk for respiratory issues, including meconium aspiration syndrome. However, this is usually applied when there is evidence of respiratory distress and not as a routine measure without specific indications.
Correct Answer is "{\"xRanges\":[56.109375,86.109375],\"yRanges\":[109,139]}"
Explanation
To auscultate for the presence of a carotid artery bruit, the nurse should place the bell of the stethoscope over the carotid artery. Specifically, the nurse should place the bell of the stethoscope lightly on the skin just medial to the sternocleidomastoid muscle at the level of the thyroid cartilage. The carotid artery can be found in the neck, just lateral to the trachea and medial to the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
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.