A nurse admits a client who has a subarachnoid hemorrhage and increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer to decrease ICP?
Dopamine
Mannitol
Nicardipine
Phenytoin
The Correct Answer is B
A. Dopamine: Dopamine is a catecholamine often used to increase blood pressure and cardiac output in hypotensive states. It does not directly reduce intracranial pressure (ICP).
B. Mannitol: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic commonly used to reduce intracranial pressure in clients with conditions such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, or cerebral edema. It works by drawing fluid from brain tissue into the bloodstream, thereby reducing cerebral edema and ICP.
C. Nicardipine: Nicardipine is a calcium channel blocker used primarily to lower blood pressure in hypertensive emergencies. While it can indirectly impact intracranial pressure by reducing cerebral perfusion pressure, its primary mechanism of action is not targeted at reducing ICP.
D. Phenytoin: Phenytoin is an antiepileptic medication used to prevent and control seizures. While it may be indicated in clients who have experienced a subarachnoid hemorrhage to prevent seizures, it does not directly reduce intracranial pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Weight loss:
Weight loss can occur in individuals with dementia due to various factors, including decreased appetite, difficulty eating or swallowing, and increased energy expenditure.
Monitoring weight regularly can help detect changes in nutritional status and identify potential health concerns, such as malnutrition or dehydration.
B. Decreased mobility:
Individuals with dementia may experience a decline in mobility and functional abilities as the disease progresses.
Monitoring changes in mobility, such as difficulty walking, transferring, or performing activities of daily living, is important for assessing functional decline and implementing appropriate interventions to maintain mobility and prevent complications such as falls.
C. Increased physical activity:
While dementia can lead to decreased physical activity in some individuals, others may exhibit increased restlessness or wandering behaviors.
Monitoring changes in physical activity levels can help identify agitation, restlessness, or wandering behaviors that may require intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual with dementia.
D. Unkempt appearance:
Individuals with dementia may neglect personal hygiene and grooming tasks, leading to an unkempt appearance.
Monitoring changes in appearance, such as poor personal hygiene, disheveled clothing, or neglect of grooming habits, can indicate difficulties with self-care and may necessitate assistance or supervision to maintain hygiene and appearance.
E. Constipation:
Constipation is a common gastrointestinal symptom in individuals with dementia, often due to factors such as reduced fluid intake, decreased physical activity, and side effects of medications.
Monitoring bowel habits and addressing constipation promptly can help prevent discomfort, complications such as fecal impaction, and maintain overall gastrointestinal health in individuals with dementia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Comply with compression therapy:
Compression therapy typically refers to the use of compression garments or devices to improve circulation and reduce swelling in the extremities, particularly in conditions such as venous insufficiency or deep vein thrombosis.
While compression therapy may be beneficial for certain circulatory disorders, it is not a standard treatment for cardiac tamponade.
Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, leading to increased pressure on the heart and impaired cardiac function.
Treatment for cardiac tamponade involves prompt recognition and intervention to relieve the pressure on the heart, such as pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage of the pericardial effusion.
B. Monitor wounds on lower extremities:
Monitoring wounds on the lower extremities is essential for assessing healing, preventing complications such as infection, and promoting overall wound care.
However, monitoring wounds on the lower extremities is not directly related to the management or monitoring of cardiac tamponade.
In cardiac tamponade, the focus of monitoring is on assessing signs and symptoms of cardiac compromise, such as hypotension, tachycardia, dyspnea, and pulsus paradoxus, rather than wound care.
C. Take antiplatelet medications as ordered:
Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, are commonly prescribed to prevent platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of thrombotic events, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease or a history of myocardial infarction or stroke.
While antiplatelet medications may be part of the long-term management of certain cardiac conditions, they are not specific to the treatment or monitoring of cardiac tamponade.
The primary treatment for cardiac tamponade involves interventions to relieve the pressure on the heart and restore cardiac function, such as pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage of the pericardial effusion.
D. Monitor for gradual onset of symptoms:
Phase II of cardiac tamponade is characterized by a gradual onset of symptoms as the pressure within the pericardial sac increases, leading to impaired cardiac filling and decreased cardiac output.
Symptoms may include dyspnea, fatigue, orthopnea, tachycardia, and chest discomfort, which may develop gradually over time.
Early recognition of symptoms is crucial for prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent further deterioration and improve outcomes in patients with cardiac tamponade.
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