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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Marfan's syndrome: Marfan's syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue in the body, predisposing individuals to various cardiovascular, skeletal, and ocular abnormalities. While Marfan's syndrome can present with certain cranial and intracranial manifestations, such as dural ectasia and intracranial aneurysms, it is not typically considered a direct risk factor for traumatic brain injury (TBI).

B. Hypercarbia: Hypercarbia refers to elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. While severe hypercarbia can lead to cerebral vasodilation and potentially exacerbate intracranial pressure in individuals with traumatic brain injury, it is not considered a direct risk factor for TBI itself.

C. Falls: Falls are a significant risk factor for traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly in older adults and young children. Falls can occur due to various factors such as environmental hazards, impaired mobility, balance issues, or neurological conditions. Falls are a leading cause of TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and fatalities.

D. Ventriculostomy: Ventriculostomy involves the placement of a catheter into the ventricular system of the brain to monitor intracranial pressure (ICP) or drain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). While ventriculostomy is a procedure commonly performed in the management of severe traumatic brain injury to monitor and manage intracranial pressure, it is not a risk factor for TBI itself.

A. Pooling of blood and edema around the eyes B. Ability to recall how the injury occurred C. Bruising over the mastoid process D. Chvostek’s sign

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Pooling of blood and edema around the eyes: Basilar skull fractures can lead to leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the surrounding tissues, resulting in periorbital ecchymosis, also known as raccoon eyes, due to pooling of blood and edema around the eyes. This finding is characteristic of basilar skull fractures and is caused by disruption of the meninges and subsequent CSF leakage into the soft tissues of the face.

B. Ability to recall how the injury occurred: Memory loss regarding the events surrounding the injury, known as post-traumatic amnesia, is common with basilar skull fractures. This amnesia occurs due to the impact of the injury on the brain and may involve retrograde amnesia (loss of memory of events leading up to the injury) and anterograde amnesia (loss of memory of events occurring after the injury).

C. Bruising over the mastoid process: Bruising over the mastoid process, known as Battle sign, is associated with basilar skull fractures. Battle sign results from blood accumulation (hematoma) in the mastoid region behind the ear due to fracture-related injury to the middle meningeal artery or other blood vessels. This finding typically develops 24-48 hours after the injury.

D. Chvostek’s sign: Chvostek's sign is a clinical manifestation of hypocalcemia, not basilar skull fractures. It is elicited by tapping the facial nerve (facial nerve spasm) and is indicative of neuromuscular irritability due to decreased calcium levels. Chvostek's sign is not directly related to basilar skull fractures.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

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Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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