A nurse is caring for a client who had an evacuation of a subdural hematoma. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Observe for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks from the evacuation site.
Check the oximeter.
Assess for an increase in temperature.
Monitor for manifestations of increased intracranial pressure.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: Observing for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks from the evacuation site is important, but not the first action that the nurse should take. CSF leaks can indicate a breach in the dura mater, which can increase the risk of infection and meningitis. The nurse should inspect the dressing and the nose and ears for any clear or bloody drainage, and report any findings to the provider. However, these measures are secondary to ensuring adequate oxygenation and perfusion.
Choice B Reason: Checking the oximeter is also important, but not the first action that the nurse should take. The oximeter measures the oxygen saturation of the blood, which reflects the adequacy of gas exchange in the lungs. The nurse should maintain the oxygen saturation above 90%, and administer supplemental oxygen as prescribed.
However, these measures are secondary to ensuring adequate oxygenation and perfusion.
Choice C Reason: Assessing for an increase in temperature is another important action, but not the first one that the nurse should take. An increase in temperature can indicate an infection, inflammation, or damage to the hypothalamus, which can affect the thermoregulation of the body. The nurse should monitor the temperature and administer antipyretics as prescribed. However, these measures are secondary to ensuring adequate oxygenation and perfusion.
Choice D Reason: Monitoring for manifestations of increased intracranial pressure is the first action that the nurse should take. Increased intracranial pressure can result from bleeding, swelling, or fluid accumulation in the brain, which can compress and damage brain tissue and blood vessels. The nurse should assess for signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, altered level of consciousness, pupillary changes, or Cushing's triad (bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular respirations). The nurse should also intervene to prevent or reduce increased intracranial pressure, such as elevating the head of the bed, maintaining normothermia, and administering osmotic diuretics. Monitoring for manifestations of increased intracranial pressure is essential to prevent further brain injury and preserve neurological function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because administering a nitrate antihypertensive is not the first action, as it may cause a rapid drop in blood pressure and worsen the client's condition.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because obtaining the client's heart rate is not the first action, as it does not address the cause of autonomic dysreflexia or relieve the symptoms.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because assessing the client for bladder distention is not the first action, as it may take time and delay the treatment of autonomic dysreflexia.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because placing the client in a high-Fowler's position is the first action, as it lowers the blood pressure by promoting venous return and reducing cardiac preload.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride is a hypertonic solution that can cause fluid overload and pulmonary edema in a client who has burns.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because dextrose 5% in water is a hypotonic solution that can cause fluid shifts from the intravascular space to the interstitial space, resulting in hypovolemia and hypotension in a client who has burns.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because 0.9% sodium chloride is an isotonic solution that can cause hypernatremia and hyperchloremia in a client who has burns, as the fluid loss from burns is greater than the sodium loss.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because lactated Ringer's is an isotonic solution that contains electrolytes similar to plasma, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride. It also contains lactate, which is converted to bicarbonate in the liver and helps correct the metabolic acidosis that occurs in a client who has burns.
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