A nurse is caring for a client who had a stroke 6 hr ago. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to reduce the risk of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
Limit suctioning the client's airway to 30 seconds at a time
Group several nursing activities to be completed at one time
Flex the client's neck forward
Place the client in a quiet environment
The Correct Answer is D
Place the client in a quiet environment.
- A. Limiting suctioning the client's airway to 30 seconds at a time can reduce intracranial pressure by minimizing hypoxia and hypercarbia, which can cause cerebral vasodilation and increased cerebral blood volume. However, this intervention alone is not sufficient to prevent increased intracranial pressure, and suctioning should be done only when necessary and with caution. Therefore, this choice is partially correct but not the best answer.
- B. Grouping several nursing activities to be completed at one time can increase intracranial pressure by stimulating the client and causing fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
- C. Flexing the client's neck forward can increase intracranial pressure by impeding venous drainage from the brain and increasing cerebral blood volume. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
- D. Placing the client in a quiet environment can reduce intracranial pressure by minimizing sensory stimulation and promoting relaxation, which can lower blood pressure and heart rate and decrease cerebral metabolic demand. Therefore, this choice is correct and the best answer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
- A. This choice is incorrect because an older adult client who reports constipation of 4 days is not an urgent situation that requires immediate attention. The nurse should assess the client's hydration status, bowel habits, and medication use, and provide education on dietary and lifestyle modifications to prevent constipation.
- B. This choice is incorrect because a preschooler who has a skin rash is not an urgent situation that requires immediate attention. The nurse should assess the type, location, and distribution of the rash, as well as any history of allergies, exposure, or infection, and provide appropriate treatment and education.
- C. This choice is incorrect because an adolescent who has a closed fracture is not an urgent situation that requires immediate attention. The nurse should assess the site of injury, neurovascular status, pain level, and immobilization device, and provide analgesia and education on fracture care.
- D. This choice is correct because a middle adult client who has unstable vital signs is an urgent situation that requires immediate attention. The nurse should assess the client's level of consciousness, airway, breathing, circulation, and possible causes of instability, and initiate lifesaving interventions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Administer high-dose antibiotic therapy.
Rationale:
- A. Initiate droplet isolation precautions is incorrect because cystic fibrosis is not transmitted by droplets, but by autosomal recessive inheritance.
- B. Keep the child on NPO status for 12 hr is incorrect because there is no indication for withholding oral intake in this child. The child needs adequate hydration and nutrition to prevent dehydration and malnutrition due to increased metabolic demands and mucus production.
- C. Maintain the child on bed rest for 24 hr is incorrect because bed rest can worsen the child's respiratory status by decreasing lung expansion and increasing mucus retention. The child needs to be encouraged to ambulate and participate in activities as tolerated to promote airway clearance and prevent atelectasis and infection.
- D. Administer high-dose antibiotic therapy is correct because the child has signs of a pulmonary infection, such as wheezing, productive cough, and thick sputum. Antibiotics are indicated to treat the infection and prevent complications such as pneumonia and bronchiectasis.
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