A nurse is caring for a client admitted with a skull fracture.
Which of the following assessment findings should be of greatest concern to the nurse?
Glasgow Coma Scale score changes from 14 to 9.
WBC count changes from 9,000 to 16,000/mm.
Pulse pressure changes from 30 to 20 mm Hg.
Bilateral pupil diameter changes from 4 to 2 mm.
The Correct Answer is A
A decrease in the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score indicates a decline in the client’s level of consciousness and neurological function.
This can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure or other complications related to the skull fracture.
Choice B is incorrect because an increase in WBC count may indicate an infection, but it is not as concerning as a decrease in GCS score.
Choice C is incorrect because a change in pulse pressure may indicate changes in cardiovascular function, but it is not as concerning as a decrease in GCS score.
Choice D is incorrect because a change in pupil diameter may indicate changes in neurological function, but it is not as concerning as a decrease in GCS score.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should instruct the client to obtain sterile lancets for blood glucose monitoring.
Lancets are small needles used to prick the skin to obtain a blood sample for testing blood glucose levels.
Choice B is wrong because compression stockings are not necessary for blood glucose monitoring.
Choice C is wrong because toenail clippers are not necessary for blood glucose monitoring.
Choice D is wrong because a hand mirror is not necessary for blood glucose monitoring.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The first action the nurse should take is to collect information about the irritant that caused the injury.
This information is important because it can help determine the appropriate treatment and irrigation solution to use.
Choice A is incorrect because airborne precautions are used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases that are transmitted through the air, and are not necessary in this situation.
Choice B is incorrect because administering proparacaine eye drops into the affected eye is not the first action the nurse should take.
Proparacaine is a topical anesthetic that can be used to numb the eye before performing ocular irrigation, but it is not the first action the nurse should take.
Choice C is incorrect because installing 0.9% sodium chloride solution into the affected eye is not the first action the nurse should take; the nurse should first collect information about the irritant that caused the injury before performing ocular irrigation.
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