A nurse is admitting a client with a history of duodenal ulcer. To determine if the client's current symptoms are related to this information, the nurse should assess the client for which manifestations of a duodenal ulcer?

Choice A: Tachypnea Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is not typically a direct sign of increased ICP. While it can be associated with various medical conditions, it is not specifically indicative of increased ICP. However, it’s important to note that breathing patterns can change with advanced ICP changes, but these are usually characterized by irregularities rather than just increased rate. Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a critical condition that can occur after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). It results from the brain tissue’s response to injury, leading to swelling or bleeding within the skull. The skull is a rigid structure, so any increase in content, such as blood or edema, can lead to an increase in pressure.

Choice B: Hypotension Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is generally not associated with increased ICP. In fact, one of the signs of increased ICP is Cushing’s triad, which includes hypertension (high blood pressure), bradycardia (slow heart rate), and irregular respirations. Therefore, hypotension would not be a typical manifestation of increased ICP.

Choice C: Decreased level of consciousness A decreased level of consciousness is a hallmark sign of increased ICP. As pressure within the skull increases, it can lead to compression of the brain tissue and disruption of cerebral blood flow. This can manifest as changes in alertness, drowsiness, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness1. when monitoring a client who has sustained a TBI, the nurse should be vigilant for signs of increased ICP, with a decreased level of consciousness being a primary indicator. Other signs may include headache, nausea, vomiting, and changes in pupil size or reactivity. It is crucial to identify and treat increased ICP promptly to prevent further brain injury and potential long-term consequences.

Choice D: Bilateral weakness of extremities While bilateral weakness can be a sign of neurological damage, it is not specific to increased ICP. Increased ICP is more likely to cause global effects on consciousness and brain function rather than isolated weakness in limbs unless there is focal brain injury causing raised ICP.

- Step 1: Identify the required dose in micrograms (mcg). The client is scheduled to receive 125 mcg of digoxin.

- Step 2: Identify the concentration of the available tablet. The available tablet contains 0.25 mg of digoxin.

- Step 3: Convert the tablet concentration from mg to mcg. We know that 1 mg = 1000 mcg. So, 0.25 mg = 0.25 × 1000 mcg = 250 mcg.

- Step 4: Calculate the number of tablets needed to deliver the required dose. We can set up a proportion to solve for this:

- 250 mcg is to 1 tablet as 125 mcg is to X tablets.

- In other words, 250 mcg : 1 tablet = 125 mcg : X tablets.

- Step 5: Solve for X using cross-multiplication and division:

- Cross-multiplication gives us: 250 mcg × X tablets = 125 mcg × 1 tablet.

- Simplifying this gives us: 250X = 125.

- Dividing both sides by 250 gives us: X = 125 ÷ 250.

- Calculating the division gives us: X = 0.5.

So, the nurse should administer 0.5 tablets per dose to deliver the required dose of 125 mcg.