A client arrives to the emergency department after losing consciousness during a soccer game. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Prepare the client for an X-Ray.
Calculate a Glasgow Coma Score.
Dim the lights and turn off the TV.
Provide analgesics.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because preparing the client for an X-ray is not the first action that the nurse should take. An X-ray can help diagnose possible injuries or fractures, but it is not an urgent test. The nurse should first assess the client's level of consciousness and neurological status using a standardized tool such as the Glasgow Coma Scale.
Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because calculating a Glasgow Coma Score is the first action that the nurse should take. The Glasgow Coma Scale is a tool that measures the level of consciousness based on the eye-opening, verbal response, and motor responses. It can help determine the severity of brain injury and guide further interventions.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because dimming the lights and turning off the TV are not the first actions that the nurse should take. These are environmental modifications that can help reduce sensory stimulation and prevent agitation or seizures, but they are not as important as assessing the level of consciousness and neurological status.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because providing analgesics is not the first action that the nurse should take. Analgesics can help relieve pain and discomfort, but they can also alter the level of consciousness and mask neurological signs. The nurse should first assess the level of consciousness and neurological status, and then administer analgesics as prescribed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because a drop in heart rate from 74 to 68/min is not a manifestation that requires immediate reporting to the provider. A mild decrease in heart rate can be normal or due to other factors such as medication, sleep, or relaxation. It does not indicate a worsening of brain injury or increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because a change in the Glasgow Coma Scale score from 14 to 10 is a manifestation that requires immediate reporting to the provider. The Glasgow Coma Scale is a tool that measures the level of consciousness based on eye-opening, verbal response, and motor responses. A score of 14 indicates mild impairment, while a score of 10 indicates moderate impairment. A decrease in score can indicate deterioration of neurological status and increased intracranial pressure, which can be life-threatening.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because the headache is not a manifestation that requires immediate reporting to
the provider. Headache is a common symptom of mild TBI and can be managed with analgesics, rest, and hydration. It does not indicate a worsening of brain injury or increased intracranial pressure unless it is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other signs such as vomiting, confusion, or seizures.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because diplopia is not a manifestation that requires immediate reporting to
the provider. Diplopia means double vision and can be caused by damage to cranial nerves or eye muscles due to TBI. It can be treated with eye patches, glasses, or surgery. It does not indicate a worsening of brain injury or increased intracranial pressure unless it is associated with other symptoms such as blurred vision, loss of vision, or eye pain.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Depth perception is the ability to judge the distance and position of objects in three-dimensional space. Depth perception is assessed by asking the client to touch the tip of a pen or pencil held by the nurse, or by using a stereopsis test.
Choice B Reason: Peripheral vision is the ability to see objects and movements outside the direct line of vision. Peripheral vision is assessed by asking the client to shake the hand of the nurse, who stands at an angle to the client's side, or by using a confrontation test.
Choice C Reason: Color deficit is the inability to distinguish certain colors or shades of colors. Color deficit is assessed by asking the client to identify numbers or shapes on a color plate test, such as the Ishihara test.
Choice D Reason: Double vision is the perception of two images of a single object. Double vision is assessed by asking the client to cover one eye and look at an object, then switch eyes and compare the images, or by using a cover-uncover test.
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