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 A

Explanation

Answer: A. Diplopia.

Rationale:

A) Diplopia: Diplopia, or double vision, is a common symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS) due to demyelination of nerves in the brainstem, affecting eye movement coordination. This visual disturbance is frequently seen in MS clients and may worsen during flare-ups.

B) Masklike expression: A masklike expression is more commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease rather than multiple sclerosis. This characteristic facial appearance is due to muscle rigidity, which is not typically a manifestation of MS.

C) Twitching of the face: Facial twitching, or fasciculations, is not typically a primary symptom of multiple sclerosis. While muscle weakness and spasticity are common in MS, twitching is more commonly seen in conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

D) Agitation: Agitation is not a primary symptom of MS. While MS can lead to cognitive changes or mood disturbances, such as depression, severe agitation is more commonly linked with other neurological or psychiatric conditions.

A. Increased peristalsis. B. Abdominal distension. C. Proximal high-pitched bowel sounds. D. Passing flatus.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Increased peristalsis would be a positive sign and not indicative of postoperative paralytic ileus. Increased peristalsis would mean the bowel is functioning well.

Choice B rationale:

Abdominal distension is a classic sign of postoperative paralytic ileus, where the bowel's motility is reduced or absent. This condition can lead to a buildup of gas and fluids, causing the abdomen to become distended.

Choice C rationale:

Proximal high-pitched bowel sounds can be a normal finding after surgery, but they are not indicative of paralytic ileus. They may even be heard as the bowel recovers its motility.

Choice D rationale:

Passing flatus is a positive sign, as it indicates that the bowel is working and the patient is passing gas. This is not indicative of a postoperative paralytic ileus, which is characterized by the absence of bowel movement.

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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

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Correct Answer is A

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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