A nurse is caring for a client who reports a throbbing headache and hypotension after a lumbar puncture. Which of the following actions is most likely to facilitate resolution of the headache?
Administer naproxen.
Elevate the head of the bed to 30°.
Check BP and call for a blood patch.
Darken the client's room and close the door.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Administer naproxen: While pain management is important, naproxen may not effectively resolve the headache associated with post-lumbar puncture headache (PLPH), which is often caused by cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
B. Elevate the head of the bed to 30°: While elevating the head of the bed may provide some relief, it is not typically sufficient to resolve PLPH, which often requires more definitive interventions.
C. Check BP and call for a blood patch: PLPH is commonly treated with a blood patch, which involves injecting the patient's own blood into the epidural space to seal the puncture site and restore normal cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Checking blood pressure is important to assess for hypotension, and calling for a blood patch is the most appropriate action to address the underlying cause of the headache.
D. Darken the client's room and close the door: While creating a quiet and dim environment may help alleviate symptoms of headache, it does not address the underlying cause of PLPH and is not the most appropriate intervention in this situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
A. Slurred speech is often an early sign of increased ICP due to focal brain injury affecting speech areas.
B. Bradycardia is a late sign of increased ICP and is part of Cushing's triad, which includes bradycardia, irregular respirations, and widened pulse pressure
C. Hypotension is not typically associated with increased ICP; in fact, hypertension may occur as the body attempts to maintain cerebral perfusion.
D. Nonreactive dilated pupils are a late sign of increased ICP, indicating potential compression of the third cranial nerve due to brain herniation.
E. Confusion can be an early or late sign of increased ICP, but it is not specific enough to be considered a definitive late sign without other context.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Engage in a vigorous exercise program." This statement may not be suitable for a client with multiple sclerosis experiencing symptoms such as diplopia, dysmetria, and sensory changes. While exercise is beneficial for managing MS symptoms, it should be tailored to the individual's abilities and symptoms.
B. "Plan to relax in a hot tub spa each day." Hot tubs can exacerbate symptoms of multiple sclerosis, particularly heat sensitivity. Therefore, this statement is not appropriate for this client.
C. "Implement a schedule to include periods of rest." Fatigue is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis, and incorporating regular periods of rest into the daily schedule can help manage fatigue and conserve energy.
D. "Wear an eye patch on the right eye at all times." While wearing an eye patch may help alleviate diplopia (double vision), it is not typically recommended for continuous use and should be used under the guidance of an ophthalmologist or healthcare provider.
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