A nurse is gathering neurological data on a patient with a neurological injury and observes signs indicative of Cushing’s Triad.
The nurse understands that Cushing’s Triad is a nervous system response that could prevent which of the following conditions?
Brainstem ischemia
Tachycardia
Agonal breathing
Chest pain
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Cushing’s Triad, which includes bradycardia (low heart rate), irregular respiration, and widened pulse pressure, is a nervous system response that could prevent brainstem ischemia. Brainstem ischemia is a condition where there is insufficient blood flow to the brainstem, which can lead to cell death.
Choice B rationale
While tachycardia (high heart rate) is a serious condition, it is not typically prevented by Cushing’s Triad.
Choice C rationale
Agonal breathing, which is characterized by gasping, labored breathing, particularly when lying flat, is not typically prevented by Cushing’s Triad.
Choice D rationale
Chest pain is not typically prevented by Cushing’s Triad. Cushing’s Triad is a response to increased intracranial pressure, not a cardiac condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Assessing muscle strength is important after a fall as it can help determine if the fall was due to muscle weakness or other neurological issues.
Choice B rationale
Checking for facial symmetry is crucial as asymmetry may indicate a stroke or other serious neurological condition.
Choice C rationale
While checking peripheral pulses is important in general, it may not be the top priority in this case unless there is a specific reason to suspect circulatory issues.
Choice D rationale
Evaluating vision changes is important as sudden vision loss or changes could indicate a serious condition such as a stroke.
Choice E rationale
Checking for aphasia, or difficulty with language, is crucial as it can be a sign of a stroke or other serious neurological condition.
Choice F rationale
Asking about smoking history may not be a priority in the immediate assessment of a patient who has just fallen.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reducing the temperature in the room is not typically a treatment for brain herniation. While it’s important to maintain a comfortable environment for the patient, there’s no evidence to suggest that room temperature has a direct impact on the progression or treatment of brain herniation.
Choice B rationale
Hyperventilating the patient is a possible treatment for brain herniation. Hyperventilation causes vasoconstriction, which can decrease cerebral blood flow and intracranial pressure, potentially relieving the pressure caused by the herniation.
Choice C rationale
Lowering blood pressure is not typically a treatment for brain herniation. While maintaining a stable blood pressure is important in all patients, aggressively lowering blood pressure could potentially decrease cerebral perfusion and worsen the patient’s condition.
Choice D rationale
Decreasing sedation is not typically a treatment for brain herniation. In fact, sedatives might be used to reduce metabolic demands and control agitation in a patient with brain herniation.
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