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 A

The correct answer is **a. Report the finding to the healthcare provider.**

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should report the finding of the client's response to a painful stimulus to the healthcare provider. This response, known as a decorticate posturing, is an abnormal motor response that indicates a severe brain injury or dysfunction. It is a sign of impaired consciousness and requires immediate medical attention and intervention.

Choice B rationale:

While documenting the client's response to pain is important, the primary action the nurse should take is to report the finding to the healthcare provider. Decorticate posturing is a neurological emergency that requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

Choice C rationale:

Initiating seizure precautions is not the appropriate action in this case. Decorticate posturing is not a seizure, but rather an abnormal motor response indicating a severe brain injury or dysfunction. Seizure precautions would not be the appropriate intervention.

Choice D rationale:

Administering a prescribed PRN analgesic is not the appropriate action in this case. Decorticate posturing is a neurological emergency that requires immediate medical attention, not just pain management. Administering an analgesic would not address the underlying neurological issue.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Continue with the blood pressure assessment. Continuing with the blood pressure assessment without addressing the observed auscultatory gap could lead to an inaccurate reading. It's important to investigate and note the presence of an auscultatory gap before proceeding with the assessment.

Choice B rationale:

Reposition the stethoscope over the brachial artery. Repositioning the stethoscope may not resolve the issue of hearing silence followed by a Korotkoff sound. It is important to assess the situation further before making adjustments.

Choice C rationale:

Reinflate the cuff to a higher number. Reinflating the cuff to a higher number without addressing the auscultatory gap can result in an inaccurate reading. The presence of an auscultatory gap should be noted and managed appropriately.

Choice D rationale:

Note the presence of an auscultatory gap. This is the correct choice. An auscultatory gap is a temporary disappearance of sounds during the blood pressure measurement, and it may indicate underlying cardiovascular issues. The nurse should note its presence, document it, and take appropriate action if necessary.

A. The client is the oldest of their siblings. B. The client's father lives in the client's home. C. The client's mother has asthma. D. The client has several siblings.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The client being the oldest of their siblings is not a contributing factor related to the development of conduct disorder. Family dynamics such as birth order may have some influence on personality traits, but they are not a primary factor in the development of conduct disorder.

Choice B rationale:

The fact that the client's father lives in the client's home is a family dynamic, but it does not necessarily contribute to the development of conduct disorder. Other factors related to parenting style, communication, and family interactions play a more significant role in the development of conduct disorder.

Choice C rationale:

The client's mother having asthma is a medical condition and not a family dynamic that directly contributes to the development of conduct disorder. Conduct disorder is more closely associated with social, environmental, and psychological factors.

Choice D rationale:

The presence of several siblings in the family dynamic can contribute to the development of conduct disorder. Increased family size can lead to competition for attention and resources, which may affect the child's behavior and interactions. Sibling relationships and family dynamics are crucial in shaping a child's behavior and psychological well-being.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

After inflating a blood pressure cuff and releasing the valve, the nurse hears silence followed by a Korotkoff sound.Which action should the nurse take next?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about contributing factors that can lead to the development of conduct disorder.Which of the following factors related to family dynamics should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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A nurse is caring for a client who is requesting to go to the bathroom immediately after a vaginal birth. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is documenting the data collected from an ongoing assessment of a client who has diabetes mellitus.The nurse writes, “The client reports feeling thirsty and hungry all the time.” How should the nurse label this type of data?

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