A nurse in an emergency department is providing care for a client who has a subdural hematoma. The nurse should identify that which of the following is the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status?

Severe headache.

Bradycardia.

Widened pulse pressure.

Change in level of consciousness.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale:

Severe headache can be a symptom of a subdural hematoma, but it is not the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status. Other symptoms may appear before a severe headache, such as an altered level of consciousness.

Choice B rationale:

Bradycardia can occur with a subdural hematoma, especially as intracranial pressure increases. However, it is not the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status. Changes in heart rate may occur later in the progression of the condition.

Choice C rationale:

Widened pulse pressure can also occur in patients with a subdural hematoma due to increased intracranial pressure. However, it is not the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status. Other neurological signs would likely appear before changes in pulse pressure are evident.

Choice D rationale:

Change in level of consciousness is the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status with a subdural hematoma. As intracranial pressure increases, the brain's functioning can be affected, leading to alterations in consciousness, ranging from mild confusion to unconsciousness.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
Papilledema refers to swelling of the optic disc in the eye, which can occur due to increased intracranial pressure. While it may be present in cases of basilar skull fracture, it is not a reliable finding for determining the discharge of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Choice B rationale:
The halo sign is a reliable finding for determining that the nasal discharge is cerebrospinal fluid. The halo sign is characterized by a ring of blood surrounded by a clear or yellowish fluid (CSF) on a dressing or tissue. This occurs because blood from the fracture mixes with the clear CSF, creating a distinct appearance.
Choice C rationale:
Racoon's eyes, also known as periorbital ecchymosis, is a term used to describe bruising around the eyes. While it can be seen in basilar skull fractures, it is not specific to cerebrospinal fluid leakage and, therefore, not reliable for identifying the nasal discharge as CSF.
Choice D rationale:
Elevated white blood cells (WBCs) in the nasal discharge can indicate infection, inflammation, or an immune response. However, it does not provide direct evidence that the discharge is cerebrospinal fluid, so this is not a reliable finding for determining the nature of the nasal discharge in this context.

A. Take this medication on an empty stomach. B. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication. C. Change positions slowly while taking this medication. D. This medication can cause insomnia. E. It is possible to experience involuntary movements while taking this medication.

Correct Answer is ["B","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
Lurasidone does not necessarily need to be taken on an empty stomach. It can be taken with or without food.
Choice B rationale:

Avoiding grapefruit juice is essential with lurasidone as it can interfere with the drug's metabolism and increase the risk of side effects.
Choice C rationale:
Changing positions slowly is relevant for medications that can cause orthostatic hypotension, but lurasidone is not typically associated with this side effect.
Choice D rationale:
Lurasidone can cause insomnia in some individuals, so it is important for the client to be aware of this potential side effect. It is best taken in the evening to minimize this effect.
Choice E rationale:
While involuntary movements (extrapyramidal symptoms) can occur with some antipsychotic medications, lurasidone has a lower risk of causing these side effects compared to older antipsychotics. It is not a major concern with lurasidone treatment.

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A nurse in an emergency department is providing care for a client who has a subdural hematoma. The nurse should identify that which of the following is the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who has a basilar skull fracture and serosanguineous nasal discharge following a motor vehicle crash. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as reliable for determining that the discharge is cerebrospinal fluid?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client who has schizophrenia a new prescription for lurasidone. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?(Select all that apply.).

Correct Answer is ["B","D"]

Explanation

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