A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted for observation following a head injury. Which of the following findings by the nurse indicates the client is experiencing increased intracranial pressure?
Pin-point pupils
Irritability
Pallor
Decreased blood pressure
The Correct Answer is B
A. Pinpoint pupils are more commonly associated with opioid intoxication or damage to the pons rather than increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Increased ICP typically causes pupils to become dilated and sluggish or nonreactive to light
B. Irritability can be an early sign of increased intracranial pressure. As pressure within the skull rises, it can affect the brain's ability to function normally, leading to changes in behavior such as restlessness, agitation, or irritability.
C. Pallor is not directly associated with increased intracranial pressure. It might indicate other issues such as anemia or poor circulation, but it is not a specific sign of increased ICP.
D. Increased intracranial pressure typically leads to hypertension (increased blood pressure) as part of the Cushing's triad, which includes hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations. Decreased blood pressure would not be a typical finding associated with increased ICP.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
After a tonic-clonic seizure, the nurse should first check the child for any injuries, particularly in the oral cavity. This is because during a seizure, the child's tongue may have been biten, or there may be other oral injuries. Therefore, it is essential to check the oral cavity for any injury or bleeding.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A malfunctioning IV pump screen poses a risk to the accurate administration of IV fluids and medications, and it can compromise patient safety. It is important to discontinue use of the malfunctioning pump to prevent potential errors or complications. The nurse should tag the IV pump to notify others that it is not functioning properly and should not be used until it is repaired or replaced.
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