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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This issue indicates a potential difficulty with fine motor skills and may impact the client's ability to feed themselves independently.
It is important for the interprofessional team, including occupational therapy and/or physical therapy, to be aware of this issue and collaborate on appropriate interventions to improve the client's functional abilities and promote independence in activities of daily living (ADLs).
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The client should choose a clean, dry, hairless area of skin to apply the patch. It is important to rotate the application site to avoid skin irritation and ensure consistent drug absorption. The patch should be replaced every 24 hours, not every 12 hours. If the client experiences a headache, it is not necessary to remove the patch, as headaches can be a common side effect of nitroglycerin use. Applying the patch in the same place every day can lead to skin irritation and decreased absorption.
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