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 C
Explanation
The nurse’s priority for immediate intervention is tachypnea, which is rapid breathing.
Tachypnea can be a sign of respiratory distress and requires immediate intervention.
Choice A is wrong because while a fever may indicate an infection, it is not the priority for immediate intervention.
Choice B is wrong because while blood-tinged secretions may indicate bleeding, it is not the priority for immediate intervention.
Choice D is wrong because while IV infiltration may cause discomfort and require attention, it is not the priority for immediate intervention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is A. Back pain.
Choice A reason: Back pain during a blood transfusion is a classic symptom of a hemolytic transfusion reaction. This type of reaction occurs when the immune system attacks the transfused red blood cells, leading to their destruction. Back pain is considered a more specific and early sign of this reaction.
Choice B reason: Bradycardia, which is a slower than normal heart rate, is not typically associated with hemolytic transfusion reactions. The normal range for an adult’s resting heart rate is between 60 to 100 beats per minute. Bradycardia is usually considered when the heart rate is lower than 60 beats per minute in a resting adult. It can be a sign of a well-trained athlete or can occur as a result of certain medications or heart conditions, but it is not a recognized symptom of a hemolytic transfusion reaction.
Choice C reason: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is also not a common symptom of a hemolytic transfusion reaction. Normal blood pressure ranges from 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is typically defined as having a blood pressure higher than 130/80 mmHg. While hypertension can be a serious condition, it is not indicative of a hemolytic transfusion reaction.
Choice D reason: Chills are a symptom that can be associated with a hemolytic transfusion reaction, often occurring alongside fever and back pain. However, while chills can indicate a reaction, back pain is a more specific symptom that can help differentiate a hemolytic reaction from other types of transfusion reactions.
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