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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Room number of the client:
- The room number alone is not sufficient for accurate client identification. Room numbers may change, and multiple clients may share the same room. Relying on the room number alone can lead to errors.
B. Client's telephone number:
- The client's telephone number is not typically used as a primary identifier for medication administration. It may be part of the client's record, but it is not the primary means of confirming identity before administering medications.
C. Client's full medical diagnosis:
- While the client's medical diagnosis is important for understanding their overall health condition, it is not a primary identifier for medication administration. Diagnoses can be complex and may not be unique to a single individual within a healthcare setting.
D. Name of the client:
- Matching the client's name with their identification band or other official records is a crucial step in preventing medication errors and ensuring the right medication is given to the right person.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Waiting 1 minute between suctioning attempts allows the client to recover and ensures that the procedure is not overly invasive. It also helps to prevent the client from becoming hypoxic.
The distance that the nasopharyngeal catheter should be inserted varies from person to person and therefore 10 cm is not standard.
During nasopharyngeal suctioning, the nurse should apply suction intermittently while withdrawing the catheter, not during insertion. Applying suction during insertion can cause tissue damage and increase the risk of trauma.
The nurse should also apply intermittent suction for no longer than 15 seconds to prevent hypoxia and damage to the mucosal lining. Suctioning for an extended period can cause discomfort and harm to the client.
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