A nurse is caring for a client who has a head injury. The client states they fell off a ladder while painting approximately 2 hours ago and lost consciousness for 45 minutes according to their partner. The nurse should determine that the client is experiencing which of the following classifications of traumatic brain injury?
Moderate
Severe
Mild
No traumatic brain injury
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is A. Moderate.
Choice A: Moderate
A moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by a loss of consciousness (LOC) lasting between 30 minutes and 6 hours. In this scenario, the client lost consciousness for 45 minutes, which falls within this range. Moderate TBIs often result in more significant symptoms and may require more intensive medical intervention compared to mild TBIs.
Choice B: Severe
Severe TBIs are typically defined by a loss of consciousness lasting more than 6 hours. Since the client in this case was unconscious for only 45 minutes, this classification does not apply. Severe TBIs often involve extensive brain damage and can lead to long-term complications or disabilities.
Choice C: Mild
Mild TBIs, also known as concussions, are characterized by a loss of consciousness lasting less than 30 minutes. Given that the client was unconscious for 45 minutes, this classification is not appropriate. Mild TBIs usually result in temporary symptoms that resolve with minimal medical intervention.
Choice D: No traumatic brain injury
This option is incorrect because the client experienced a significant head injury with a loss of consciousness for 45 minutes. Such an event clearly indicates a traumatic brain injury, and it is essential to classify it correctly to ensure appropriate medical care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: The client exhales as the medication is released from the inhaler. This action is incorrect because it wastes the medication and reduces its effectiveness. The client should exhale before using the inhaler, not during.
Choice B reason: The client waits 10 minutes between inhalations. This action is incorrect because it delays the relief of the asthma symptoms. The client should wait only one minute between inhalations, unless instructed otherwise by the doctor.
Choice C reason: The client holds his breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication. This action is correct because it allows the medication to reach the lungs and bronchial tubes more effectively and reduce the inflammation and constriction of the airways.
Choice D reason: The client takes a quick inhalation while releasing the medication from the inhaler. This action is incorrect because it can cause the medication to hit the back of the throat and not reach the lungs. The client should take a slow and deep inhalation while using the inhaler.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Eliciting the gag reflex is not a valid way to assess cranial nerve III. The gag reflex is a protective mechanism that prevents choking or aspiration by triggering a contraction of the pharyngeal muscles when the back of the throat is stimulated. The gag reflex is mediated by cranial nerves IX and X, not III.
Choice B reason: Checking the pupillary response to light is a reliable way to assess cranial nerve III. The pupillary response to light is a reflex that causes the pupil to constrict when exposed to bright light and dilate when exposed to dim light. This reflex helps to regulate the amount of light that enters the eye and protects the retina from damage. The pupillary response to light is controlled by cranial nerve III, which innervates the sphincter pupillae muscle that constricts the pupil.
Choice C reason: Observing for facial symmetry is not a relevant way to assess cranial nerve III. Facial symmetry is the degree of similarity between the two halves of the face. Facial symmetry can be affected by various factors, such as genetics, aging, or facial nerve palsy. Facial nerve palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of the muscles that control facial expression. Facial nerve palsy is caused by damage to cranial nerve VII, not III.
Choice D reason: Testing visual acuity is not a sufficient way to assess cranial nerve III. Visual acuity is the ability to see fine details and distinguish objects at a distance. Visual acuity depends on various factors, such as the clarity of the lens and cornea, the shape of the eyeball, and the function of the retina. Visual acuity is mainly affected by cranial nerve II, which carries visual information from the retina to the brain. Cranial nerve III does not directly influence visual acuity, but it does innervate some of the muscles that move the eye and enable binocular vision.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.