A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who has a closed head injury. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Prepare the client for an MRl of the brain.
Administer mannitol IV bolus to the client.
Determine the client's Glasgow Coma Scale score.
D insert an indwelling urinary catheter for the client.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C. Determine the client’s Glasgow Coma Scale score. This is because the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a tool to assess the level of consciousness and neurological status of a client who has a closed head injury. The GCS score can help guide the priority of interventions and the need for further diagnostic tests.
Choice A is wrong because an MRI of the brain is not the first action to take for a client who has a closed head injury. An MRI may be indicated later to evaluate the extent of brain damage, but it is not an emergency procedure.
Choice B is wrong because mannitol IV bolus is a medication that reduces intracranial pressure (ICP) by drawing fluid out of the brain tissue. However, mannitol should not be administered before confirming the presence and degree of increased ICP, which can be done by measuring the GCS score and other vital signs.
Choice D is wrong because inserting an indwelling urinary catheter for the client is not the first action to take for a client who has a closed head injury. A urinary catheter may be needed to monitor fluid balance and renal function, but it is not an urgent intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is B.
Previous violent behavior. According to the web search results, this is the best predictor of future violence among the given risk factors.
Other risk factors include past history of aggression, poor impulse control, and violence. Comorbidity that leads to acts of violence (psychotic delusions, command hallucinations, violent angry reactions with cognitive disorders).
Choice A is wrong because a history of being in prison is not a direct cause of violence, but rather a possible consequence of it.
Choice C is wrong because male gender is not a sufficient factor to predict violence, as there are many other variables involved. Choice D is wrong because experiencing delusions is not necessarily associated with violence, unless they are of a paranoid or persecutory nature.
Normal ranges for violence risk assessment are not standardized, but some tools that can be used include the Historical Clinical Risk Management-20 (HCR-20), the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG), and the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R). These tools use different scales and criteria to evaluate the likelihood of violent behavior in individuals.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason
Administering naloxone to the newborn is not appropriate. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose in adults. It is not typically used for newborns with neonatal abstinence syndrome. The management of NAS is primarily supportive, and medications may be prescribed to help manage specific withdrawal symptoms, but naloxone is not a standard treatment for NAS.
Choice B reason:
Minimizing noise in the newborn's environment is a crucial action in the plan of care is the correct action to be included. Newborns experiencing NAS can be easily overstimulated, and loud noises can exacerbate their withdrawal symptoms and distress. Creating a calm and quiet environment helps reduce agitation and promotes better sleep and overall comfort.
Choice C reason
Swaddling the newborn with his leg extended is not appropriate in this case. Swaddling can be beneficial for some newborns, but the specific positioning and swaddling techniques should be individualized based on the newborn's needs and preferences. Extending the newborn's legs may not necessarily be the best approach, as it may not provide comfort or address the symptoms associated with NAS.
Choice D reason:
Maintaining eye contact with the newborn during feedings is not appropriate in this case. While maintaining eye contact during feedings is an essential aspect of bonding and promoting parent-newborn attachment, it may not be the primary focus in managing neonatal abstinence syndrome. The plan of care for a newborn with NAS would primarily involve managing withdrawal symptoms, providing comfort measures, and addressing the newborn's unique needs during this challenging period.
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