A nurse is caring for a client who has an intracranial pressure (ICP) reading of 40 mm Hg. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a late sign of ICP? (Select all that apply.)
Slurred speech.
Bradycardia with a bounding pulse.
Confusion.
Hypertension with an increasing pulse pressure.
Nonreactive dilated pupils.
Hypotension with a decreasing pulse pressure.
Correct Answer : B,D,E
The correct answers are b, d, and e.
Choice A: Slurred speech.
Slurred speech can be associated with increased ICP due to the pressure effects on the brain areas responsible for speech production. However, it is not typically considered a late sign of increased ICP. It may occur earlier in the progression as the brain's ability to coordinate muscle movements is affected.
Choice B: Bradycardia with a bounding pulse.
Bradycardia with a bounding pulse is a classic sign of Cushing's triad, which is a late and ominous sign of significantly increased ICP. It indicates that the body is attempting to increase arterial blood pressure to overcome the increased ICP and maintain cerebral perfusion. The normal range for adult heart rate is 60-100 beats per minute.
Choice C: Confusion.
Confusion can be an early sign of increased ICP as it can indicate changes in cerebral function. However, it is not specifically a late sign of increased ICP. Early signs of increased ICP can include headache, nausea, and confusion, as the brain is initially responding to the pressure changes.
Choice D: Hypertension with an increasing pulse pressure.
Hypertension with an increasing pulse pressure is another component of Cushing's triad. It reflects the body's compensatory mechanism to preserve cerebral blood flow in the face of rising ICP. An increasing pulse pressure (the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure) is a late sign of increased ICP. Normal pulse pressure is typically 30-40 mm Hg.
Choice E: Nonreactive dilated pupils.
Nonreactive dilated pupils are a late sign of increased ICP and indicate pressure on the cranial nerves that control pupil size and reaction to light. This is a grave sign and often indicates impending brain herniation.
Choice F: Hypotension with a decreasing pulse pressure.
Hypotension with a decreasing pulse pressure is not typically associated with increased ICP. In fact, hypertension with a widening pulse pressure would be more indicative of increased ICP as part of Cushing's triad.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because this question will help the nurse assess the pain level and discomfort of the client with red scaling papules. Red scaling papules are raised skin lesions that are red and covered with scales. They can indicate psoriasis, which is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation and rapid turnover of skin cells. Psoriasis can cause pain, itching, burning, or stinging sensations in the affected areas. The nurse should ask the client to rate their pain on a numeric or descriptive scale and provide analgesics or topical agents as prescribed.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because this question will not help the nurse assess the condition of the client with red scaling papules. Red scaling papules are not affected by food intake but by other factors such as stress, infection, injury, or medication. Psoriasis is not an allergic or dietary disorder, but an immune-mediated disorder that causes abnormal skin cell growth. The nurse should ask the client about their medical history, current medications, and triggers or aggravating factors for their psoriasis.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because this question will not help the nurse assess the condition of the client with red scaling papules. Red scaling papules are not treated with antibiotics but with other medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or biologics. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, which are not the cause of psoriasis. The nurse should ask the client about their treatment regimen, compliance, and effectiveness for their psoriasis.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because this question will not help the nurse assess the condition of
the client with red scaling papules. Red scaling papules are not related to weekend activities but to chronic skin inflammation and abnormal cell turnover. Psoriasis is not a lifestyle disorder, but a genetic disorder that can be influenced by environmental factors. The nurse should ask the client about their family history, exposure to sun or cold, and stress level for their psoriasis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: A virus is not detected by the KOH test, which is used to diagnose fungal infections of the skin, hair, or nails. A virus can be detected by other tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or viral culture.
Choice B Reason: A fungal infection is detected by the KOH test, which dissolves the skin cells and leaves behind the fungal elements that can be seen under a microscope. A fungal infection can cause symptoms such as itching, scaling, redness, or blisters.
Choice C Reason: A bacterial infection is not detected by the KOH test, which is specific for fungi. A bacterial infection can be detected by other tests, such as gram stain or culture.
Choice D Reason: Cancer is not detected by the KOH test, which is not a screening tool for malignancy. Cancer can be detected by other tests, such as biopsy or imaging.
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