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.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

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: The first action the nurse should take when caring for a client post-evacuation of a subdural hematoma is to check the oximeter to ensure adequate oxygenation. Maintaining proper oxygenation is a priority because hypoxia and hypercapnia can lead to cerebral vasodilation, increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) and worsening neurological outcomes. Key Concept: Always prioritize Airway, Breathing, and Circulation (ABCs) when determining the most immediate nursing intervention.

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:This is crucial, but oxygenation status should be checked first since low oxygen levels can worsen ICP.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A: Eliciting the gag reﬂex is a way to assess cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus), which are responsible for the sensation and motor function of the pharynx and larynx.

Choice B: Testing visual acuity is a way to assess cranial nerve II (optic), which is responsible for the sense of vision.

Choice C: Observing for facial symmetry is a way to assess cranial nerve VII (facial), which is responsible for the motor function of the facial muscles and the sensation of taste.

Choice D: Checking the pupillary response to light is a way to assess cranial nerve III (oculomotor), which is responsible for the motor function of most of the eye muscles, including those that control pupil size and lens shape.

A. Hypertension B. Bradypnea C. Oliguria D. Flushing of the skin

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because hypertension is a condition of high blood pressure. A client who has hypovolemic shock is more likely to have hypotension, which is a condition of low blood pressure, due to ﬂuid loss and reduced cardiac output.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because bradypnea is a condition of slow breathing. A client who has hypovolemic shock is more likely to have tachypnea, which is a condition of fast breathing, due to hypoxia and increased respiratory demand.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because oliguria is a condition of low urine output. A client who has hypovolemic shock may have oliguria due to decreased renal perfusion and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which causes sodium and water retention.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because ﬂushing of the skin is a condition of redness and warmth of the skin. A client who has hypovolemic shock may have pallor and coolness of the skin due to vasoconstriction and reduced blood ﬂow.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client's cranial nerves as part of a neurological examination. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to assess cranial nerve III?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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