A nurse is monitoring a client who has a leaking cerebral aneurysm. Which of the following manifestations should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP)? (Select all that apply.)
Pupillary changes
Disorientation
Headache
Slurred speech
Neck pain and stiffness
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
Choice A reason : Pupillary changes, such as unequal pupil sizes or a sluggish reaction to light, can be a sign of increased ICP. The cranial nerves that control the pupils may be compressed due to the swelling of the brain, leading to these changes¹.
Choice B reason : Disorientation, including confusion and changes in alertness, can occur with increased ICP as the pressure affects the brain's ability to process information and maintain consciousness².
Choice C reason : Headache is a common symptom of increased ICP. It can be severe and persistent due to the pressure exerted on the meninges and blood vessels within the brain³.
Choice D reason : Slurred speech may result from increased ICP if the areas of the brain responsible for speech and muscle control are affected by the pressure².
Choice E reason : Neck pain and stiffness, particularly when trying to flex the neck forward, can be indicative of meningeal irritation, which can be associated with increased ICP⁴.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason : Serum creatinine is a key indicator of renal function. It is a waste product that kidneys filter out. Elevated levels can indicate impaired kidney function, which is a concern in SLE due to the risk of lupus nephritis².
Choice B reason : Urine-specific gravity can provide information about the kidney's ability to concentrate urine but is not as specific as serum creatinine for assessing overall renal function².
Choice C reason : Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) can be influenced by factors other than renal function, such as hydration status and dietary protein intake, making it less reliable than serum creatinine for evaluating kidney function in SLE².
Choice D reason : Serum sodium levels can be affected by various factors, including fluid balance and medications. While it can reflect changes in kidney function, it does not provide as direct an assessment as serum creatinine².
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason : Levodopa/carbidopa is the most commonly prescribed medication for the management of Parkinson's disease symptoms. It works by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, which helps control movement and reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Choice B reason : Piperacillin/tazobactam is an antibiotic and is not used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Choice C reason : Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone replacement medication and is not used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Choice D reason : Carbamazepine is a medication used to treat seizures and certain types of nerve pain but is not typically used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
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