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: 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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The oral mucosa is the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis because it reflects the oxygen saturation of the arterial blood. Central cyanosis occurs when the arterial blood has a low oxygen saturation due to a cardiopulmonary problem. The oral mucosa is less affected by peripheral factors such as temperature, vasoconstriction, or skin pigmentation.
Choice B reason: The conjunctivae are not a reliable indicator of central cyanosis because they can be affected by other conditions such as anemia, jaundice, or eye infections. The conjunctivae are the thin membranes that cover the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.
Choice C reason: The ear lobes are not a reliable indicator of central cyanosis because they can be affected by peripheral factors such as temperature, vasoconstriction, or skin pigmentation. The ear lobes are the fleshy lower part of the external ear.
Choice D reason: The soles of the feet are not a reliable indicator of central cyanosis because they can be affected by peripheral factors such as temperature, vasoconstriction, or skin pigmentation. The soles of the feet are the bottom part of the feet.
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