A nurse is caring for a client who experienced a traumatic brain injury 72 hr ago.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a potential indication of increased intracranial pressure?
Tachycardia.
Hypotension.
Narrowed pulse pressure.
Increasingly severe headache.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice d. Increasingly severe headache.
Choice A rationale:
Tachycardia is not typically associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). In fact, bradycardia (a slower heart rate) is more commonly seen as part of Cushing’s triad, which indicates increased ICP.
Choice B rationale:
Hypotension is not a common sign of increased ICP. Instead, hypertension (high blood pressure) is often observed as the body attempts to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure.
Choice C rationale:
Narrowed pulse pressure is not a typical indicator of increased ICP. Widened pulse pressure (the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure) is more commonly associated with increased ICP.
Choice D rationale:
Increasingly severe headache is a classic symptom of increased ICP. As pressure within the skull rises, it can cause significant pain and discomfort, making this a key indicator to monitor in patients with traumatic brain injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice b. “I will hang a new bag of TPN and IV tubing every 24 hours.”
Choice A rationale:
Monitoring the client’s blood glucose level every 8 hours is important, but it is not the best indicator of understanding the TPN procedure. Blood glucose levels should be monitored regularly, but the frequency can vary based on the client’s condition and physician’s orders.
Choice B rationale:
Hanging a new bag of TPN and IV tubing every 24 hours is correct. This practice helps prevent infection and ensures the client receives the correct formulation of nutrients.
Choice C rationale:
Increasing the rate of the TPN infusion to ensure the correct amount is given is incorrect. The rate of TPN infusion should be strictly controlled and adjusted only by a physician’s order to prevent complications such as hyperglycemia or fluid overload.
Choice D rationale:
Obtaining the client’s weight every other day is important for monitoring nutritional status, but it does not directly indicate an understanding of the TPN procedure. Daily weights are often recommended to closely monitor the client’s response to TPN.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is B.
Choice A reason: Avoid preparing medications for more than two clients at one time is a guideline aimed at reducing the risk of medication errors. However, it is not an absolute rule and may vary depending on the setting and resources available.
Choice B reason: Inform clients about the action of each medication prior to administration. This practice is essential for patient education, ensuring that patients are informed about what medications they are taking and why, which can improve adherence and outcomes.
Choice C reason: Reading medication labels at least two times prior to administration is a good practice to avoid errors, but it is not always specified as a standard requirement in medication administration guidelines.
Choice D reason: Completing an incident report if a client vomits after taking a medication is necessary only if the vomiting is related to an adverse drug reaction or a medication error, not for routine vomiting.
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