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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because intestinal obstruction is not a common complication of ileostomy surgery. An ileostomy is a surgical opening in the abdomen that connects the end of the small intestine (ileum) to a pouch or bag outside the body. This allows stool to bypass the colon and rectum. Intestinal obstruction can occur if there is a blockage or narrowing in any part of the digestive tract, but it is more likely to affect the colon than the ileum.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because folate deficiency is not a common complication of ileostomy surgery. Folate is a vitamin that is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. Folate is mainly absorbed in the jejunum, which is the middle part of the small intestine. An ileostomy does not affect the jejunum, so it does not interfere with folate absorption.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because malabsorption of fat is not a common complication of ileostomy surgery. Fat is digested and absorbed in both the small and large intestine. An ileostomy does not affect fat digestion, but it may reduce fat absorption by decreasing the transit time and surface area of the intestine. However, this is usually not significant enough to cause malabsorption symptoms.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because fluid and electrolyte imbalance is a common complication of ileostomy surgery. Fluid and electrolytes are mainly absorbed in the colon, which is bypassed by an ileostomy. This can result in increased fluid and electrolyte loss through stool, especially sodium and potassium. This can lead to dehydration, hypotension, weakness, cramps, or arrhythmias.

A. Rest in bed for at least 2 days. B. Deep breathe and cough four times a day. C. After two days, a creamy discharge is normal. D. Keep your head up and straight.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Resting in bed for at least 2 days is not necessary after cataract surgery. The client should resume normal activities as soon as possible, but avoid strenuous activities that increase intraocular pressure.

Choice B reason: Deep breathing and coughing four times a day are not related to cataract surgery. This is a technique to prevent respiratory complications after abdominal or thoracic surgery.

Choice C reason: After two days, a creamy discharge is not normal. This could indicate an infection or inflammation of the eye. The client should report any changes in vision, pain, redness, swelling, or discharge to the provider.

Choice D reason: Keeping the head up and straight is the correct instruction. This helps to prevent increased intraocular pressure and bleeding in the eye. The client should also avoid rubbing or touching the eye, wearing sunglasses to protect from bright light, and using prescribed eye drops as directed.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client has just had surgery to create an ileostomy. The nurse assesses the client in the immediate postoperative period for which most frequent complication of this type of surgery?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A home health nurse is teaching an older adult client who just had cataract surgery. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A patient who is unconscious after a head injury has cerebral edema. Which nursing intervention will be included in the plan of care?

The primary health care provider has determined that a client has contracted hepatitis A based on flu-like symptoms and jaundice. Which statement made by the client supports this medical diagnosis?

The nurse observes the client as he walks into the clinic. She notices a slight tremor of the hands, slowness of movements, and a mask-like facial expression, with postural instability. Which of the following in the client's history are consistent with these observations?

A nurse in an ophthalmology clinic is interviewing a client who was referred by his primary care provider for suspicion of cataracts. Which of the following findings is consistent with manifestations of cataracts?

A nurse is caring for a client who has dementia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to reduce the client's risk of aspiration pneumonia?

When assessing a client diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, which of the following findings will the nurse expect?

A client who recently suffered a stroke suffers from right-sided homonymous hemianopsia. What is the best action for the nurse to take when caring for the client during mealtime?

A client is brought to the emergency department with partial-thickness burns to his face, neck, arms, and chest after trying to put out a car fire. The nurse should implement which nursing actions for this client? (Select all that apply.)