A nurse is assessing a client who has increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The nurse should recognize that which of the following is the first sign of deteriorating neurological status?
Pupillary dilation
Decorticate posturing
Altered level of consciousness
Cheyne-Stokes respirations
The Correct Answer is C
Altered level of consciousness (LOC) is the earliest and most sensitive indicator of increased ICP, which can result from brain injury, tumor, hemorrhage, infection, or edema.
The nurse should monitor the client's LOC using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and report any changes or deterioration to the provider. Pupillary dilation, decorticate posturing, and Cheyne-Stokes respirations are later signs of increased ICP that indicate brainstem compression and herniation, which are life-threatening emergencies.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Referred pain is pain that is felt in a location different from its source due to shared nerve pathways or central nervous system processing. A client who has pancreatitis may experience pain in the left shoulder due to irritation of the diaphragm by pancreatic enzymes or inflammation. This pain is referred from the abdominal cavity to the shoulder through the phrenic nerve.
A client who has peritonitis reports generalized abdominal pain that corresponds to the site of inflammation and infection in the peritoneum. A client who has angina reports substernal chest pain that reflects the ischemia and hypoxia of the myocardium. A client who is postoperative reports incisional pain that is caused by tissue damage and inflammation at the surgical site.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
To assess a client for a positive Chvostek’s sign, the nurse should tap gently on the cheek, specifically two centimeters in front of the ear, over the facial nerve (also known as CN VII). This test is used to check for hypocalcemia, a condition that can lead to tetany, which is the involuntary contraction of muscles. A twitch of the facial muscles in response to this tapping indicates a positive Chvostek’s sign. This is particularly relevant following a thyroidectomy, as the procedure can indirectly affect the parathyroid glands, potentially leading to hypocalcemia
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today