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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: No fluctuations in the water seal chamber. This finding indicates that the lung has expanded and there is no more air leaking from the pleural space. Fluctuations in the water seal chamber are normal when the client breathes, but they should stop when the lung is fully expanded.

Choice B reason: No reports of pleuritic chest pain. This finding does not indicate that the lung has expanded, as pleuritic chest pain can be caused by other factors, such as inflammation or infection of the pleura. Pleuritic chest pain is a sharp pain that worsens with breathing or coughing.

Choice C reason: Occasional bubbling in the water seal chamber. This finding does not indicate that the lung has expanded, as occasional bubbling can be normal or due to a small air leak. Continuous bubbling, however, indicates a large air leak and requires immediate attention.

Choice D reason: Oxygen saturation of 95%. This finding does not indicate that the lung has expanded, as oxygen saturation can be normal or high even with a collapsed lung. Oxygen saturation is the percentage of hemoglobin that is bound to oxygen in the blood.

A. Decrease respiratory secretions. B. Induce sedation C. Suppress respiratory effort D. Decrease chest wall compliance

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Decrease respiratory secretions. This answer is incorrect because pancuronium does not have any effect on the production or clearance of respiratory secretions. This medication is not used to treat the pulmonary edema and inflammation that occur in ARDS.

Choice B reason: Induce sedation. This answer is incorrect because pancuronium does not have any sedative or analgesic properties. This medication does not affect the level of consciousness or pain perception of the client. A client who receives pancuronium should also receive adequate sedation and analgesia to prevent anxiety and discomfort.

Choice C reason: Suppress respiratory effort. This answer is correct because pancuronium is a neuromuscular blocker that inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles, causing paralysis and relaxation. This medication is used to suppress the respiratory effort of the client and allow the mechanical ventilator to control the breathing.

Choice D reason: Decrease chest wall compliance. This answer is incorrect because pancuronium does not have any effect on the elasticity or stiffness of the chest wall. This medication is not used to treat the reduced lung compliance and increased airway resistance that occur in ARDS.

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Choice A: Moderate

Choice B: Severe

Choice C: Mild

Choice D: No traumatic brain injury

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube in place to a closed chest drainage system. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client’s lung has expanded?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and requires mechanical ventilation. The client receives a prescription for pancuronium. The nurse recognizes that this medication is for which of the following purposes?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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