A client is admitted to the hospital with a traumatic brain injury after his head violently struck a brick wall during a gang fight. Which finding is most important for the nurse to assess further?
A scalp laceration oozing blood.
Dizziness, nausea, and transient confusion.
Headache rated "8" on a 0-10 scale.
Serosanguineous nasal drainage.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale: This is a possible sign of TBI but is not necessarily indicative of a life- threatening condition.
Choice B rationale: This is a possible sign of TBI but is not necessarily indicative of a life- threatening condition.
Choice C rationale: This is a possible sign of TBI but is not necessarily indicative of a life- threatening condition.
Choice D rationale: Serosanguineous nasal drainage (a mixture of blood and clear fluid) may suggest a basilar skull fracture, which is a fracture of the base of the skull that can damage vital structures such as the brainstem, cranial nerves, or major blood vessels. This can lead to serious complications such as meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid leak, or hemorrhage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: This patient is likely experiencing hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS). Rapid administration of IV fluids is crucial to correct severe dehydration associated with HHS.
Choice B rationale: Routine insulin therapy and exercise might be components of diabetes management but wouldn't directly address the immediate concern of severe dehydration and high blood glucose.
Choice C rationale: Cardiac monitoring for potassium changes might be necessary but isn't the primary immediate intervention for HHS.
Choice D rationale: Administering a different antibiotic for the UTI is incorrect, because there is no evidence that the current antibiotic is ineffective or causing adverse effects. The UTI may have triggered the HHS, but it is not the main problem that needs to be addressed urgently.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: The 42-yr-old patient with secondary amenorrhea may have menopause, pregnancy, or a hormonal disorder. This is less urgent compared to the 19- year old patient.
Choice B rationale: This patient may have toxic shock syndrome, which is a life- threatening complication of tampon use that can cause organ failure and shock. The nurse should assess the patient's vital signs, remove the tampon, and initiate fluid resuscitation and antibiotic therapy.
Choice C rationale: This patient may have an infection or a complication of the balloon thermotherapy, which is a procedure to destroy the endometrial lining of the uterus and is not an emergency compared to the 19 year old.
Choice D rationale: This patient may have a displacement or perforation of the IUD, which is a contraceptive device that releases progestin into the uterus. However, this is not urgent compared to the 19 year old.
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