A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a subdural hematoma following a motor-vehicle crash. For which of the following findings should the nurse identify that the client is experiencing an increase in intracranial pressure?
The client has a delayed response to verbal commands.
The client has ecchymosis around the eyes.
The client is unable to remember details of the motor-vehicle crash.
The client reports ringing in the ears.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
The client has a delayed response to verbal commands. This finding can indicate increased intracranial pressure. Changes in responsiveness, such as delayed responses to verbal commands or other stimuli, can be indicative of neurological impairment due to elevated pressure within the skull.
Choice B Reason:
The client has ecchymosis around the eyes. Ecchymosis around the eyes (raccoon eyes) can occur with certain head injuries, but it's not a direct sign of increased intracranial pressure. It's more commonly associated with basilar skull fractures rather than specifically reflecting increased pressure within the skull.
Choice C Reason:
The client is unable to remember details of the motor-vehicle crash. Memory impairment or amnesia regarding the event can occur due to head trauma, but it might not directly correlate with an increase in intracranial pressure. It's more related to the effects of the injury on memory function.
Choice D Reason:
The client reports ringing in the ears. Tinnitus or ringing in the ears might occur in some cases of head trauma but is not a direct indicator of increased intracranial pressure. It might result from the impact of the injury or other associated factors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"I can take my partner outside of the room as long as they wear a mask."MRSA contact precautions typically involve limiting the spread of the bacteria. Taking the partner outside the room while wearing a mask might not be sufficient for infection control, as MRSA can spread through direct contact with surfaces. This statement might not indicate a full understanding of MRSA precautions.
Choice B Reason:
"I will wash my hands as soon as I leave the room. “Hand hygiene is a crucial component of infection control for MRSA. Washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer after leaving the room helps prevent the spread of MRSA to oneself or others.
Choice C Reason:
"I will wear a gown when I help my partner take a bath." Wearing a gown during tasks that might involve contact with the patient's bodily fluids or surfaces that might be contaminated is recommended for MRSA precautions. This statement aligns with infection control practices.
Choice D Reason:
"I can reuse unsoiled gloves when I re-enter the room. “Reusing gloves, even if they appear unsoiled, is generally not recommended as it can contribute to the spread of MRSA. Gloves should be disposed of after each use and hands washed thoroughly.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Positive Trousseau's sign is incorrect. Trousseau's sign is associated more with calcium imbalances, particularly hypocalcemia, and is assessed by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the arm to induce carpal spasm. It's not a specific indicator of metabolic acidosis related to high glucose levels in diabetes mellitus.
Choice B Reason:
Dizziness upon standing is incorrect. Dizziness upon standing, also known as orthostatic hypotension, is more commonly associated with blood pressure changes upon position changes. While it can occur in various conditions, it's not a specific indicator of metabolic acidosis in this context.
Choice C Reason:
Tingling of the fingers is incorrect. Tingling sensations, known as paresthesia, can occur due to various reasons, including nerve damage related to chronic high blood sugar levels in diabetes (diabetic neuropathy). However, it's not a direct and specific indicator of metabolic acidosis caused by high glucose levels in diabetes mellitus.
Choice D Reason:
Increased respiratory rate is correct. Metabolic acidosis in a diabetic individual can trigger compensatory mechanisms, such as increased respiratory rate (Kussmaul respirations), as the body tries to eliminate excess acids through respiration to help regulate the acid-base balance. This increased respiratory rate is an attempt to blow off carbon dioxide (a potential acidic byproduct) and decrease the acidity in the blood.
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