A nurse is monitoring a client who had a cerebral aneurysm rupture. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure?
Hypertension
Tinnitus
Hypotension
Tachycardia
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Hypertension is a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure, as it reflects the body's attempt to maintain adequate cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and blood flow to the brain. CPP is the difference between the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the intracranial pressure (ICP). When ICP rises, MAP must also rise to keep CPP constant and prevent cerebral ischemia. Hypertension is part of the Cushing's triad, which is a classic sign of increased ICP that also includes bradycardia and irregular respirations.
Choice B reason: Tinnitus is not a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure, as it does not affect the auditory system. Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears that can be caused by various factors, such as ear infections, noise exposure, medications, or aging. Tinnitus may be associated with other neurological conditions, such as Meniere's disease, acoustic neuroma, or multiple sclerosis, but not with increased ICP.
Choice C reason: Hypotension is not a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure, as it indicates a decrease in MAP and CPP, which can lead to cerebral ischemia and infarction. Hypotension can be caused by various factors, such as blood loss, dehydration, shock, or medications. Hypotension may worsen the outcome of increased ICP by reducing the oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain.
Choice D reason: Tachycardia is not a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure, as it contradicts Cushing's triad. Tachycardia is an increase in heart rate that can be caused by various factors, such as anxiety, pain, fever, dehydration, or medications. Tachycardia may increase the oxygen demand and metabolic rate of the brain, which can exacerbate the effects of increased ICP.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Repeat dose in 1 hour for unrelieved headache. This instruction is incorrect because sumatriptan should not be taken more than twice in 24 hours. Taking too much sumatriptan can cause serious side effects, such as high blood pressure, stroke, or heart problems.
Choice B reason: Chew the tablet well before swallowing. This instruction is incorrect because sumatriptan tablets should be swallowed whole with water. Chewing the tablet may affect its absorption and effectiveness.
Choice C reason: If you experience chest pain, call your physician immediately. This instruction is correct because chest pain is a serious and potentially life-threatening side effect of sumatriptan. Chest pain may indicate a heart attack or coronary artery spasm, which require immediate medical attention.
Choice D reason: Take daily to prevent headaches. This instruction is incorrect because sumatriptan is not a preventive medication for migraines. It is only used to treat acute migraine attacks when they occur. Taking sumatriptan daily can cause rebound headaches, which are worse and more frequent than the original ones.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Delivering a urine specimen to the laboratory is not a priority task, as it does not affect the client's immediate health or safety. This task can be done later or delegated to another staff member.
Choice B reason: Feeding a client who has bilateral casts is an important task, as it helps the client meet their nutritional needs and prevents complications such as pressure ulcers. However, this task is not as urgent as monitoring blood glucose levels, as it can be done within a reasonable time frame without causing harm to the client.
Choice C reason: Performing blood glucose monitoring of a client who has a prescription for short-acting insulin is a priority task, as it determines the dosage of insulin that the client needs to receive. Insulin is a high-alert medication that can cause serious adverse effects if given incorrectly. Therefore, this task should be done first by the AP who has been trained and certified to do so.
Choice D reason: Obtaining an extra box of tissues for a client who is concerned about running out of them is a low-priority task, as it does not affect the client's physical or psychological well-being. This task can be done at any time or delegated to another staff member.
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