A nurse is caring for a client who has a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Which of the following manifestations should the nurse immediately report to the provider?
A drop in heart rate from 74 to 68/min.
A change in the Glasgow Coma Scale score from 14 to 10.
Headache.
Diplopia.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because a drop in heart rate from 74 to 68/min is not a manifestation that requires immediate reporting to the provider. A mild decrease in heart rate can be normal or due to other factors such as medication, sleep, or relaxation. It does not indicate a worsening of brain injury or increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because a change in the Glasgow Coma Scale score from 14 to 10 is a manifestation that requires immediate reporting to the provider. The Glasgow Coma Scale is a tool that measures the level of consciousness based on eye-opening, verbal response, and motor responses. A score of 14 indicates mild impairment, while a score of 10 indicates moderate impairment. A decrease in score can indicate deterioration of neurological status and increased intracranial pressure, which can be life-threatening.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because the headache is not a manifestation that requires immediate reporting to
the provider. Headache is a common symptom of mild TBI and can be managed with analgesics, rest, and hydration. It does not indicate a worsening of brain injury or increased intracranial pressure unless it is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other signs such as vomiting, confusion, or seizures.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because diplopia is not a manifestation that requires immediate reporting to
the provider. Diplopia means double vision and can be caused by damage to cranial nerves or eye muscles due to TBI. It can be treated with eye patches, glasses, or surgery. It does not indicate a worsening of brain injury or increased intracranial pressure unless it is associated with other symptoms such as blurred vision, loss of vision, or eye pain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because airway obstruction is the risk that is the priority for assessment and intervention for a client who has extensive partial and full-thickness burns of
the head, neck, and chest. Airway obstruction can occur due to edema, inflammation, or inhalation injury of
the upper airway structures. It can compromise oxygenation and ventilation, and lead to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. The nurse should assess for signs of airway obstruction, such as stridor, hoarseness, dyspnea, or cyanosis, and provide oxygen therapy, humidification, or intubation as needed.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because fluid imbalance is not the risk that is the priority for assessment and intervention for a client who has extensive partial and full-thickness burns of
the head, neck, and chest. Fluid imbalance can occur due to fluid loss from damaged skin and capillaries, as well as increased capillary permeability and fluid shifts. It can cause dehydration, hypovolemia, shock, or electrolyte imbalances. The nurse should monitor fluid status, vital signs, urine output, and laboratory values, and provide fluid resuscitation as prescribed, but only after ensuring airway patency.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because paralytic ileus is not the risk that is the priority for assessment and intervention for a client who has extensive partial and full-thickness burns of
the head, neck, and chest. Paralytic ileus is a condition where there is decreased or absent bowel motility due to nerve damage or decreased blood flow to
the gastrointestinal tract. It can cause abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, or constipation. The nurse should assess bowel sounds, abdominal girth, and stool characteristics, and provide nasogastric suction or laxatives as prescribed, but only after ensuring airway patency and fluid balance.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because infection is not the risk that is the priority for assessment and intervention for a client who has extensive partial and full-thickness burns of
the head, neck, and chest. Infection can occur due to loss of skin barrier, exposure to microorganisms, or impaired immune system. It can cause fever, increased pain, purulent drainage, or sepsis. The nurse should assess for signs of infection, obtain wound cultures, and administer antibiotics as prescribed, but only after ensuring airway patency, fluid balance, and pain control.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because this comment does not require reporting to the client's provider. It is normal to have reduced vision and an increased risk of falling with a patch on one eye after cataract surgery. The nurse should reassure the client, provide assistance with mobility, and educate the client on safety measures.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because this comment does not require reporting to the client's provider. It is normal to have some itching and discomfort in the eye after cataract surgery. The nurse should commend the client for not rubbing the eye, as this can cause infection or damage to the surgical site. The nurse should also administer anti-inflammatory eye drops as prescribed and instruct the client on how to apply them.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because this comment does not require reporting to the client's provider. It is normal to have increased sensitivity to light in the eye after cataract surgery. The nurse should dim the lights in the room, provide sunglasses or a shield for the eye, and educate the client on how to protect the eye from bright light.
Choice D reason: This is the correct answer because this comment requires reporting to the client's provider. Severe pain in the eye after cataract surgery can indicate a complication such as infection, inflammation, bleeding, or increased intraocular pressure. The nurse should assess the eye for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or bleeding, and report the findings and the pain level to the provider. The nurse should also administer analgesics as prescribed and monitor the pain relief.
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