A client is admitted following a motor vehicle collision.

When assessing the client's level of consciousness, the nurse notes that the client no longer responds to commands.

The nurse initiates a painful stimulus and the client responds by pulling the arms inward with elbows and wrists flexed and extending the legs with the toes pointed downward.

Which action should the nurse implement?

Report the finding to the healthcare provider.

Document the purposeful response to pain.

Initiate seizure precautions immediately.

Administer a prescribed PRN analgesic.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Reporting the finding to the healthcare provider is important when the client no longer responds to commands and exhibits a specific response to pain. However, it should not be the first action. The nurse's initial response should be to assess and document the client's neurological status and response to pain to provide accurate information to the healthcare provider.

Choice B rationale:

Documenting the purposeful response to pain is the correct initial action in this scenario. The client's response, which involves pulling the arms inward with elbows and wrists flexed and extending the legs with the toes pointed downward, is known as decerebrate posturing. It is a specific neurological response to painful stimuli and may indicate a brain injury. Documenting this response is crucial for the client's medical record and helps the healthcare provider assess the severity of the neurological injury.

Choice C rationale:

Initiating seizure precautions immediately is not the first action to take in this scenario. While the client's response to pain may resemble posturing seen in seizures, it is more indicative of a neurological injury or dysfunction. Further assessment and evaluation are needed before implementing seizure precautions.

Choice D rationale:

Administering a prescribed PRN analgesic is not the first action to take when the client exhibits decerebrate posturing in response to pain. This response indicates a neurological issue or injury that requires assessment and evaluation. Administering pain medication without a clear understanding of the underlying cause may not be appropriate and could potentially mask important neurological signs.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Altered consciousness within the first 24 hours after injury is not indicative of a developing epidural hematoma. An epidural hematoma typically manifests as a lucid interval followed by a rapid deterioration in consciousness hours after the injury.

Choice B rationale:

Cushing reflex (increased blood pressure, bradycardia, and irregular respirations) and cerebral edema after 24 hours are characteristic signs of a developing epidural hematoma. This occurs due to the accumulation of blood between the dura mater and the skull, leading to increased intracranial pressure.

Choice C rationale:

Headache and pupillary changes 48 hours after head injury are not specific signs of an epidural hematoma. These symptoms may indicate various other neurological conditions or complications.

Choice D rationale:

Fever, nuchal rigidity, and opisthotonos within hours are suggestive of meningitis rather than an epidural hematoma. These symptoms are not typical of epidural hematomas, which primarily involve alterations in consciousness and increased intracranial pressure.

A. Begin continuous observation for transient episodes of neurologic dysfunction. B. Start two large bore intravenous (IV) catheters and review inclusion criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy. C. Administer aspirin to prevent further clot formation and platelet clumping. D. Raise the head of the bed to 30 degrees keeping head and neck in neutral alignment.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Beginning continuous observation for transient episodes of neurologic dysfunction is important in the assessment and monitoring of the client's condition. However, in this scenario, the client is presenting with symptoms suggestive of a possible stroke or cerebrovascular event, and time is crucial. The nurse should prioritize actions that can lead to prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Choice B rationale:

Starting two large bore intravenous (IV) catheters and reviewing inclusion criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy is the most urgent action. The client's symptoms, including sudden right-sided numbness, weakness, and facial droop, are indicative of a possible ischemic stroke. IV fibrinolytic therapy is time-sensitive and has a limited window of effectiveness. Establishing IV access and determining eligibility for this therapy should be the nurse's top priority to potentially improve the client's outcome.

Choice C rationale:

Administering aspirin to prevent further clot formation and platelet clumping is an important intervention in the treatment of ischemic stroke. However, it should not be the first action in this scenario. The priority is to assess for eligibility for IV fibrinolytic therapy, as this intervention has a more immediate impact on reversing the stroke's effects.

Choice D rationale:

Raising the head of the bed to 30 degrees and keeping the head and neck in neutral alignment is a reasonable nursing intervention to prevent complications such as aspiration and promote optimal cerebral blood flow. However, it is not the most urgent action in this case. The priority should be on assessing and potentially treating the stroke with IV fibrinolytic therapy.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who is admitted for primary hypothyroidism has early signs of myxedema coma. In assessing the client, in which sequence should the nurse complete these actions? (Rank the first action at the top with the remainder in descending order.).

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

When caring for an older male client with urinary frequency, which measure is most important for the nurse to implement to help the client prepare to go to bed for the night?

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When developing a teaching plan for a client with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, the nurse should explain that an increased thirst is an early sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which action should the nurse instruct the client to implement if this sign of DKA occurs?

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