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 B
Explanation
The nurse’s priority should be to assess the client’s gag reflex.
After an endoscopy with moderate (conscious) sedation, it is important to ensure that the client’s gag reflex has returned before allowing them to eat or drink.
Choice A is incorrect because while pain management is important, it is not the nurse’s priority in this situation.
Choice C is incorrect because the warmth of extremities is not the nurse’s priority in this situation.
Choice D is incorrect because temperature is not the nurse’s priority in this situation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Lithium. Lithium is a medication that has been associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes insipidus. This is because lithium can interfere with the function of the kidneys and their ability to respond to antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which regulates the balance of fluids in the body.
Atorvastatin (choice B) is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels and has not been associated with an increased risk of diabetes insipidus.
Propranolol (choice A) is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions and has not been associated with an increased risk of diabetes insipidus.
Ranitidine (choice C) is a medication used to reduce stomach acid production and has not been associated with an increased risk of diabetes insipidus.
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