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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A hematoma is a collection of blood outside a blood vessel that can cause swelling, pain, and bruising. It can indicate bleeding from the artery where the catheter was inserted, which can be a serious complication of cardiac catheterization.
The nurse should notify the provider immediately if a hematoma is observed.
Choice A is wrong because heart rate 90/min is within the normal range for adults and does not indicate a complication.
Choice C is wrong because bounding pulses in the affected extremity are expected after cardiac catheterization, as they indicate good blood flow to the area.
Choice D is wrong because report of discomfort at the insertion site is common and usually mild after cardiac catheterization.
The nurse can provide pain relief as needed, but does not need to notify the provider unless the pain is severe or persistent.
Normal ranges for heart rate are 60-100 beats per minute for adults. Normal ranges for blood pressure are 120/80 mmHg or lower for systolic pressure and 80 mmHg or lower for diastolic pressure. Normal ranges for oxygen saturation are 95-100% for adults.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
, dizziness.
Dizziness is a manifestation of hypovolemia, which is a decrease in blood volume due to fluid loss.
Hypovolemia can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing positions. This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
Choice A, epistaxis, is wrong because it is not a sign of hypovolemia, but rather a possible cause of it. Epistaxis is a nosebleed that can result from trauma, infection, dryness, or coagulation disorders.
Choice B, headache, is wrong because it is not a specific sign of hypovolemia, but rather a nonspecific symptom that can have many causes. Headache can be associated with dehydration, but it can also be caused by stress, infection, inflammation, or other factors.
Choice D, shortness of breath, is wrong because it is not a sign of hypovolemia, but rather a sign of fluid volume excess.
Fluid volume excess is an increase in blood volume due to fluid retention or overload. Fluid volume excess can cause dyspnea, which is difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are 90/60 mm Hg to 120/80 mm Hg for adults.
Normal ranges for heart rate are 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults.
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