A nurse is creating a plan of care for a child who is awake and responsive following an acute head injury. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
Place the child in a room with bright fluorescent lighting.
Initiate seizure precautions for the child.
Use the COMFORT scale to rate the child's pain.
Suction the child's nares to determine the presence of fluid.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Place the child in a room with bright fluorescent lighting.
This option is not appropriate because bright fluorescent lighting can be uncomfortable and potentially aggravate symptoms such as headache or sensitivity to light, which are common after a head injury. Therefore, it is not included in the plan of care.
B. Initiate seizure precautions for the child.
This intervention is appropriate because children with head injuries are at an increased risk of seizures. Seizure precautions may include ensuring a safe environment, such as padding the sides of the bed, removing any objects that could cause harm during a seizure, and closely monitoring the child's neurological status for signs of seizure activity.
C. Use the COMFORT scale to rate the child's pain.
While assessing and managing pain is important, the COMFORT scale may not be the most appropriate tool for evaluating pain in a child with a head injury. The nurse should use a pain assessment tool that is specifically designed for pediatric patients and is suitable for assessing pain in children with head injuries.
D. Suction the child's nares to determine the presence of fluid.
Suctioning the child's nares may be indicated if there are concerns about airway patency or respiratory secretions. However, it is not a routine intervention for all children with head injuries. The nurse should assess the child's respiratory status and use suctioning only if necessary based on clinical findings.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Depressed scalp veins: This is an incorrect choice. In hydrocephalus, there is increased pressure within the skull due to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This increased pressure typically leads to distended scalp veins rather than depressed ones.
B. Sunken anterior fontanels: This is an incorrect choice. The fontanel, also known as the soft spot on an infant's head, may actually bulge rather than appear sunken in cases of hydrocephalus due to increased intracranial pressure.
C.Bulging eyes:In individuals with hydrocephalus, especially infants and young children, bulging eyes can sometimes occur.The increased pressure inside the skull can affect various structures within the brain, including the optic nerve and the muscles that control eye movement. This can lead to a condition called papilledema, where the optic nerve becomes swollen due to the pressure. Papilledema can cause changes in vision and, in some cases, contribute to the appearance of bulging eyes.
D.Separated cranial sutures:The separation of cranial sutures in hydrocephalus occurs due to the increased pressure from the excess CSF. This pressure can cause the bones of the skull to move apart, leading to visible gaps or widening of the sutures. Clinically, this can be observed through imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Reye syndrome causes fatty changes in the liver."
This statement is correct. Reye syndrome is characterized by acute non-inflammatory encephalopathy and fatty changes in the liver, which can lead to liver dysfunction and failure.
B. "Reye syndrome leads to venous thrombus formation."
This statement is incorrect. Reye syndrome primarily affects the brain and liver, leading to cerebral edema and liver dysfunction. It does not typically involve venous thrombus formation.
C. "Reye syndrome is associated with misuse of acetaminophen."
This statement is incorrect. While the exact cause of Reye syndrome is not fully understood, it is not associated with the misuse of acetaminophen. However, there is a well-established association between Reye syndrome and the use of aspirin (salicylates) during viral infections, particularly in children and adolescents.
D. "Reye syndrome is linked to decreased serum ammonia levels."
This statement is incorrect. Reye syndrome is associated with increased serum ammonia levels due to liver dysfunction and impaired ammonia metabolism. Elevated ammonia levels can contribute to the encephalopathy seen in Reye syndrome.
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