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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not include this in teaching. Massaging the affected side multiple times a day can trigger an acute onset of trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that causes severe pain in one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), which innervates the face. The pain can be triggered by touch, pressure, or movement of the face. The nurse should advise the client to avoid touching or stimulating the affected side.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not include this in teaching. Applying ice directly to
the skin can trigger an acute onset of trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia can be triggered by temperature changes or cold stimuli on the face. The nurse should advise the client to avoid exposure to cold air or wind and to protect their face with a scarf or mask.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not include this in teaching. Providing pureed consistency foods can trigger an acute onset of trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia can be triggered by chewing, swallowing, or talking. The nurse should advise the client to eat soft foods that do not require much chewing and to avoid hot or spicy foods that can irritate the mouth.
Choice D reason: This is correct because the nurse should include this in teaching. Considering alternative therapies such as yoga, biofeedback or meditation can help prevent triggering an acute onset of trigeminal neural
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because earphones are not used in the Rinne test. The Rinne test compares air conduction and bone conduction of sound using a tuning fork.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because electrodes are not used in the Rinne test. Electrodes are used in electroencephalography (EEG), which measures brain activity.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because a probe is not used in the Rinne test. A probe is used in tympanometry, which measures the pressure and mobility of the eardrum.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because a tuning fork is used in the Rinne test. The tuning fork is placed on the mastoid process behind the ear and then moved near the ear canal to compare the sound perception.
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