A client admitted after a motor vehicle accident arrives with a Glasgow coma score (GCS) of 14 with a mild headache. 4 hours later, the client's GCS has decreased to 10, and now has a dilated pupil on the left side. Which of the following acute traumatic brain injuries does the nurse suspect the client has suffered?
Laceration
Acute subdural hematoma
Intracerebral hemorrhage
Epidural hematoma
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because laceration is not an acute traumatic brain injury, but a type of wound that involves tearing or cutting of the skin or other tissues. Laceration can occur as a result of a motor vehicle accident, but it does not cause changes in the GCS or pupil size. The nurse should assess the client's skin for any signs of laceration, such as bleeding, swelling, or infection.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because acute subdural hematoma is not likely to cause a dilated pupil on the left side. Acute subdural hematoma is a type of traumatic brain injury that involves bleeding between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater, which are two layers of the meninges that cover the brain. An acute subdural hematoma can cause a rapid decrease in the GCS, but it usually causes a dilated pupil on the same side as the injury, not on the opposite side.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because intracerebral hemorrhage is not likely to cause a dilated pupil on the left side. Intracerebral hemorrhage is a type of traumatic brain injury that involves bleeding within the brain tissue itself. Intracerebral hemorrhage can cause a gradual decrease in the GCS, but it usually causes neurological deficits that correspond to the location of the bleeding, such as weakness, numbness, or aphasia, not pupillary changes.
Choice D reason: This is correct because epidural hematoma can cause a dilated pupil on the left side. Epidural hematoma is a type of traumatic brain injury that involves bleeding between the dura mater and the skull. Epidural hematoma can cause a lucid interval, which is a period of normal consciousness followed by a sudden decrease in the GCS, and a dilated pupil on the opposite side of the injury, due to compression of the third cranial nerve. The nurse should notify the provider immediately and prepare for emergency surgery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because the Amsler grid test is performed to diagnose macular degeneration. The Amsler grid is a pattern of straight lines with a dot in the center. The client is asked to look at the dot and report any distortions or missing areas in the grid. This can indicate damage to the macula, which is the central part of the retina that provides sharp vision.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because the Snellen chart test is not performed to diagnose macular degeneration. The Snellen chart is a chart of letters of different sizes that are read from a distance. The client is asked to read the smallest line they can see clearly. This can indicate visual acuity or sharpness of vision, but not macular degeneration.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because the intraocular pressure test is not performed to diagnose macular degeneration. The intraocular pressure test measures the pressure inside the eye using a device called a tonometer. The client may feel a puff of air or a gentle touch on their eye. This can indicate glaucoma, which is a condition where increased pressure damages the optic nerve, but not macular degeneration.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because the refraction test is not performed to diagnose macular degeneration. The refraction test measures how well the eye bends light rays using a device called a phoropter. The client looks through different lenses and reports which ones make their vision clearer. This can indicate refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, but not macular degeneration.
Correct Answer is ["C","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not include this in the postoperative education to the client. The client should not drive home after glaucoma surgery, as they will have reduced vision and increased sensitivity to light in the operated eye. The nurse should advise the client to arrange for someone else to drive them home.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not include this in the postoperative education to the client. The client should not lie on the right side when going to bed, as this can put pressure on the operated eye and increase the risk of bleeding or infection. The nurse should advise the client to sleep on their back or on their left side.
Choice C reason: This is correct because the nurse should include this in the postoperative education to
the client. The client should report flashing lights, as this can indicate a complication such as retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage. The nurse should instruct the client to call the provider immediately if they see flashing lights.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not include this in the postoperative education to the client. The client should not nap on their left side when they get home, as this can cause fluid accumulation and increased intraocular pressure in the operated eye. The nurse should advise the client to elevate their head at least 30 degrees when resting.
Choice E reason: This is correct because the nurse should include this in the postoperative education to
the client. The client should avoid housework like vacuuming, as this can cause bending, lifting, or straining that can increase intraocular pressure and affect wound healing. The nurse should advise the client to limit physical activity and follow the provider's instructions on when to resume normal activities.
Choice F reason: This is correct because the nurse should include this in the postoperative education to
the client. The client may see flashes of light in the operated eye, as this is a normal phenomenon caused by stimulation of the retina by gas bubbles or fluid shifts. The nurse should reassure the client that flashes of light are normal and will subside over time.
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