A nurse is caring for a client who has a traumatic head injury and is exhibiting signs of increasing intracranial pressure. Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer?
Dextran 70
Hydroxyethyl starch
Albumin 25%
Mannitol 25%
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: Dextran 70 is not a medication that the nurse should plan to administer for a client who has a traumatic head injury and is exhibiting signs of increasing intracranial pressure. Dextran 70 is a plasma expander that increases the blood volume and viscosity, which can worsen the intracranial pressure by increasing the cerebral blood flow and edema.
Choice B Reason: Hydroxyethyl starch is not a medication that the nurse should plan to administer for a client who has a traumatic head injury and is exhibiting signs of increasing intracranial pressure. Hydroxyethyl starch is another plasma expander that has similar effects as dextran 70, and can also increase the risk of coagulopathy and renal failure.
Choice C Reason: Albumin 25% is not a medication that the nurse should plan to administer for a client who has a traumatic head injury and is exhibiting signs of increasing intracranial pressure. Albumin 25% is a colloid solution that increases the oncotic pressure and draws fluid from the interstitial space into the intravascular space, which can also worsen the intracranial pressure by increasing the cerebral blood flow and edema.
Choice D Reason: Mannitol 25% is a medication that the nurse should plan to administer for a client who has a traumatic head injury and is exhibiting signs of increasing intracranial pressure. Mannitol 25% is an osmotic diuretic that reduces the intracranial pressure by creating an osmotic gradient and drawing fluid from the brain tissue into the blood vessels, which can then be excreted by the kidneys. The nurse should monitor the urine output, serum osmolality, and electrolytes when administering mannitol 25%.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because a pneumothorax is a condition in which air enters the pleural space and causes the lung to collapse. It does not cause the chest wall to move inward and outward paradoxically.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because atelectasis is a condition in which alveoli collapse and cause reduced gas exchange. It does not cause the chest wall to move inward and outward paradoxically.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because flail chest is a condition in which multiple ribs are fractured and cause a segment of the chest wall to detach from the rest of the thoracic cage. It causes the chest wall to move inward and outward paradoxically, as well as dyspnea and pain.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because a hemothorax is a condition in which blood enters the pleural space and causes the lung to collapse. It does not cause the chest wall to move inward and outward paradoxically.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because using log rolling to reposition the client helps maintain the alignment of the head and neck, which prevents further increases in ICP.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because placing a warming blanket on the client can cause vasodilation and increase cerebral blood flow, which can raise ICP.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because instructing the client to cough and deep breathe can increase intrathoracic pressure and impede venous return, which can elevate ICP.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because placing the client in a supine position can decrease cerebral perfusion pressure and increase ICP. The client should be placed in a semi-Fowler's position with the head elevated at 30 degrees.
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