A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a traumatic head injury. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
Sudden sleepiness
Headache
Diplopia
Slight ataxia
The Correct Answer is A
The nurse should report sudden sleepiness to the provider immediately if the client has a traumatic head injury. Sudden sleepiness can indicate an increase in intracranial pressure, which can be a life-threatening complication of a head injury.
Headache, diplopia, and slight ataxia are also important findings that the nurse should report to the provider. However, these findings are not as urgent as sudden sleepiness. Headache can be a common symptom following a head injury. Diplopia is double vision and can indicate cranial nerve damage. Slight ataxia is unsteadiness or lack of coordination and can indicate neurological damage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
If a client reports skin irritation around the upper edge of a lower-leg cast, the nurse should petal the edges of the cast. This involves applying adhesive strips or moleskin around the edges of the cast to smooth them out and prevent them from rubbing against the skin.
a. Suggesting that the client use a blunt object such as a comb to relieve the itch is not recommended as it can cause further irritation or damage to the skin.
c. Telling the client to apply lotion to the irritated skin is not recommended as it can cause further irritation or damage to the skin and may also damage the cast.
d. Bivalving the cast is not necessary for skin irritation around the upper edge of the cast. Bivalving involves cutting the cast in half to relieve pressure and is typically only done in cases of severe swelling or compartment syndrome.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should monitor the client for lethargy as a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure. Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a rise in pressure around the brain that can occur due to various reasons such as brain injury, bleeding into the brain, swelling in the brain, or an increase in cerebrospinal fluid. Lethargy (feeling less alert than usual) is a common symptom of increased ICP.
a. Nuchal rigidity is not a common symptom of increased ICP.
b. Batle's sign is not a common symptom of increased ICP.
c. Polyuria is not a common symptom of increased ICP.
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