A nurse is caring for a client 4 hr following evacuation of a subdural hematoma. Which of the following assessments is the nurse's priority?

Respiratory status

Temperature

Intracranial pressure

Serum electrolytes

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

The correct answer is a. Respiratory status.

Choice A: Respiratory Status

Reason: After the evacuation of a subdural hematoma, monitoring the respiratory status is crucial. This is because changes in respiratory patterns can indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP) or brainstem compression, which are life-threatening conditions. Ensuring that the airway is clear and that the patient is breathing adequately is the top priority. Normal respiratory rate for adults is 12-20 breaths per minute.

Choice B: Temperature

Reason: While monitoring temperature is important to detect infections or other complications, it is not the immediate priority in the acute postoperative period following a subdural hematoma evacuation. Fever can indicate infection, but it is less likely to cause immediate life-threatening complications compared to respiratory issues.

Choice C: Intracranial Pressure

Reason: Monitoring intracranial pressure (ICP) is very important in patients with brain injuries. Normal ICP ranges from 5-15 mmHg. However, changes in respiratory status can be an early indicator of increased ICP. Therefore, while ICP monitoring is critical, ensuring the patient’s respiratory status is stable takes precedence.

Choice D: Serum Electrolytes

Reason: Serum electrolytes are important to monitor for overall metabolic stability and to detect imbalances that could affect neurological function. Normal ranges for key electrolytes are: Sodium (135-145 mEq/L), Potassium (3.5-4.5 mEq/L), and Chloride (80-100 mEq/L). However, these are not the immediate priority in the acute phase following surgery compared to respiratory status.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is correct because an osmotic diuretic, such as mannitol, works by creating an osmotic gradient that draws ﬂuid from the brain tissue into the blood vessels, thereby reducing cerebral edema and intracranial pressure.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because an osmotic diuretic would decrease, not increase, the cell size in the brain by removing ﬂuid from the intracellular space.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because an osmotic diuretic would decrease, not expand, the extracellular ﬂuid volume by increasing the urine output and excreting excess ﬂuid from the body.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because an osmotic diuretic would not provide ﬂuid hydration, but rather cause ﬂuid loss and dehydration.

A. Prepare for mechanical ventilation. B. Administer oxygen via face mask. C. Prepare to administer a sedative. D. Assess for indications of pulmonary embolism.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because preparing for mechanical ventilation is not the priority nursing intervention, as it is an invasive and potentially harmful procedure that should be reserved for clients who have severe respiratory failure and cannot maintain adequate oxygenation with noninvasive methods.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because administering oxygen via face mask is the priority nursing intervention, as it is a noninvasive and eﬀective way to improve oxygenation and reduce hypoxemia in a client who has low PaO2 and SaO2. Oxygen therapy can also decrease the workload of the heart and lungs and prevent further complications.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because preparing to administer a sedative is not the priority nursing intervention, as it may worsen the client's respiratory status and mask the signs and symptoms of hypoxemia. Sedatives should be used with caution and only after oxygenation has been optimized.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because assessing for indications of pulmonary embolism is not the priority nursing intervention, as it is a diagnostic rather than a therapeutic action. Pulmonary embolism is a possible cause of the client's condition, but it does not address the immediate problem of hypoxemia.

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A nurse is caring for a client 4 hr following evacuation of a subdural hematoma. Which of the following assessments is the nurse's priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to administer an osmotic diuretic IV to a client with increased intracranial pressure. Which of the following should the nurse identify as the purpose of the medication?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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