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 C
Explanation
- A. The LPN and AP lower the side rails before lifting the client up in bed is incorrect. This is a safe practice that prevents injury to the client and staff by providing more space for movement and reducing the risk of falling.
- B. Prior to lifting the client, the LPN and AP raise the bed to waist level is incorrect. This is a safe practice that prevents injury to the client and staff by reducing the need for bending and lifting.
- C. The LPN and the AP grasp the client under his arms to lift him up in bed is correct. This is an unsafe practice that can cause injury to the client's shoulders, neck, and axillae by applying excessive pressure and friction. The LPN and AP should use a draw sheet or a mechanical lift device to move the client up in bed.
- D. The LPN and the AP ask the client to flex his knees and push his heels into the bed as they lift is incorrect. This is a safe practice that encourages active participation from the client and reduces the workload for the staff by using leverage.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
- A. Incorrect. The client does not have respiratory alkalosis because respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a low PaCO2 (less than 35 mm Hg) and a high pH (greater than 7.45).
- B. Incorrect. The client does not have metabolic alkalosis because metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high HCO3 (greater than 26 mEq/L) and a high pH (greater than 7.45).
- C. Correct. The client has respiratory acidosis because respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high PaCO2 (greater than 45 mm Hg) and a low pH (less than 7.35).
- D. Incorrect. The client does not have metabolic acidosis because metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low HCO3 (less than 22 mEq/L) and a low pH (less than 7.35).
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