A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who has an epidural hematoma following a motor-vehicle crash. Which of the following is an expected finding for this client?
Drainage of clear fluid from the ears
Alternating periods of alertness and unconsciousness
Narrowing pulse pressure
Extensive bruising in the mastoid area
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A: Drainage of clear fluid from the ears is not an expected finding for a client who has an epidural hematoma, but rather a sign of a basilar skull fracture, which is a different type of head injury. The clear fluid is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which leaks from the brain through the fractured skull.
Choice B: Alternating periods of alertness and unconsciousness is an expected finding for a client who has an epidural hematoma, because it indicates a rapid increase in intracranial pressure (ICP) due to bleeding between the dura mater and the skull. The client may have a brief loss of consciousness at the time of injury, followed by a lucid interval, and then a rapid deterioration of mental status.
Choice C: Narrowing pulse pressure is not an expected finding for a client who has an epidural hematoma, but rather a sign of increased ICP due to any cause. Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure. As ICP rises, it compresses the brainstem and causes bradycardia and hypertension, resulting in a decreased pulse pressure.
Choice D: Extensive bruising in the mastoid area is not an expected finding for a client who has an epidural hematoma, but rather a sign of a basilar skull fracture, which is a different type of head injury. The bruising is also known as Batle's sign, and it occurs due to blood pooling behind the ear.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride is a hypertonic solution that can cause fluid overload and pulmonary edema in a client who has burns.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because dextrose 5% in water is a hypotonic solution that can cause fluid shifts from the intravascular space to the interstitial space, resulting in hypovolemia and hypotension in a client who has burns.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because 0.9% sodium chloride is an isotonic solution that can cause hypernatremia and hyperchloremia in a client who has burns, as the fluid loss from burns is greater than the sodium loss.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because lactated Ringer's is an isotonic solution that contains electrolytes similar to plasma, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride. It also contains lactate, which is converted to bicarbonate in the liver and helps correct the metabolic acidosis that occurs in a client who has burns.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a low PaCO2, indicating that the client is hyperventilating and losing too much carbon dioxide.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a low bicarbonate level, indicating that the client has an excess of metabolic acids or a loss of base.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a high bicarbonate level, indicating that the client has an excess of base or a loss of metabolic acids.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a high PaCO2, indicating that the client is hypoventilating and retaining too much carbon dioxide.
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