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: "I will be able to tell how much oxygen I'm getting by looking at the flowmeter." This statement is correct because the flowmeter shows the amount of oxygen delivered in liters per minute. The client should check the flowmeter regularly and adjust it according to the prescription.
Choice B reason: "I should call my doctor if I find it harder to concentrate." This statement is correct because difficulty concentrating can be a sign of low oxygen levels or carbon dioxide retention. The client should monitor their symptoms and report any changes to their doctor.
Choice C reason: "I will wear synthetic clothing and woolen socks when using my oxygen." This statement is incorrect because synthetic clothing and woolen socks can create static electricity and increase the risk of fire when using oxygen. The client should wear cotton clothing and avoid materials that can cause sparks.
Choice D reason: "I will make sure my visitors smoke outside." This statement is correct because smoking near oxygen can cause a fire or explosion. The client should keep oxygen away from open flames, smoking materials, and heat sources.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: History of hypertension is not a nonmodifiable risk factor for developing a stroke, but a modifiable risk factor. Hypertension is a high blood pressure, defined as 140/90 mm Hg or higher. Hypertension can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke by causing atherosclerosis, aneurysm, or hemorrhage. The nurse should teach the clients to monitor their blood pressure and take medications as prescribed to lower their blood pressure and reduce their stroke risk.
Choice B reason: Genetics is a nonmodifiable risk factor for developing a stroke. Genetics refers to the inherited traits that are passed down from parents to children. Genetics can influence the risk of stroke by affecting the susceptibility to certain conditions, such as sickle cell disease, clotting disorders, or familial hypercholesterolemia, that can increase the risk of stroke. The nurse should teach the clients to know their family history and discuss their genetic risk factors with their provider.
Choice C reason: Obesity is not a nonmodifiable risk factor for developing a stroke, but a modifiable risk factor. Obesity is a condition of having excess body fat, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Obesity can increase the risk of stroke by contributing to other risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol. The nurse should teach the clients to maintain a healthy weight and follow a balanced diet and exercise regimen to lower their stroke risk.
Choice D reason: History of smoking is not a nonmodifiable risk factor for developing a stroke, but a modifiable risk factor. Smoking is the inhalation of tobacco or other substances that contain nicotine or other harmful chemicals. Smoking can increase the risk of stroke by damaging the blood vessels, increasing the blood pressure, reducing the oxygen in the blood, and promoting blood clotting. The nurse should teach the clients to quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke to lower their stroke risk.
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