A nurse is planning care for a client who has a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Which of the following should the nurse include in the plan of care? (Select All that Apply.)
Assess palmar reflex.
Assess for cough reflex.
Assess the ability to follow simple commands.
Assess for Cushing's Triad.
Assess for abnormal posturing.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D,E
A. Assess palmar reflex. Assessing the palmar reflex helps evaluate the integrity of the nervous system, particularly in response to tactile stimuli. In clients with severe TBI, abnormal reflexes may indicate neurological impairment and guide further assessment and intervention.
B. Assess for cough reflex. Assessing the cough reflex is important for evaluating airway protection and the risk of aspiration, especially in clients with reduced consciousness level due to TBI.
C. Assess the ability to follow simple commands. Assessing the client's ability to follow simple commands provides valuable information about their level of consciousness and cognitive function. It helps determine the extent of neurological impairment and guides the plan of care, including interventions for communication and cognitive deficits.
D. Assess for Cushing's Triad. Cushing's Triad, characterized by hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations, may occur as a late sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in clients with severe TBI. Monitoring for Cushing's Triad is crucial for early recognition of elevated ICP and prompt intervention to prevent further neurological damage.
E. Assess for abnormal posturing. Assessing for abnormal posturing, such as decerebrate or decorticate posturing, helps evaluate neurological function and localize brain injury in clients with TBI. Abnormal posturing indicates severe brain damage and may guide decisions regarding treatment and prognostication.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
A. "Have you had any trauma to the eye?": Trauma to the eye can be a significant risk factor for retinal detachment. Inquiring about any history of eye trauma is essential to understand potential causes or contributing factors.
D. "Do you wear sunglasses when in direct sunlight?": Prolonged exposure to sunlight without eye protection can increase the risk of retinal detachment. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection can help prevent eye damage, including retinal detachment.
E. "Do you take steroids?": Steroid use, especially long-term or systemic steroids, can increase the risk of developing retinal detachment. Steroids may lead to changes in the structure and integrity of ocular tissues, predisposing individuals to retinal detachment.
Options B and C are not directly related to the risk factors for retinal detachment:
B. "Do you regularly lift heavy objects?" - Regularly lifting heavy objects can increase pressure in the eyes, which can contribute to retinal detachment.:
C. "How much sodium is in your diet?": Sodium intake is not directly linked to the risk of retinal detachment. While diet and nutrition play a role in overall eye health, sodium consumption is not a specific risk factor for retinal detachment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Cushing's Triad is a set of three classic signs associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). These signs include hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations. The presence of Cushing's Triad indicates severe brain injury or increased ICP, often leading to brainstem compression.
A. Tachycardia (Option A): Increased intracranial pressure can initially lead to tachycardia as the body attempts to compensate for the changes. However, as ICP continues to rise and brainstem compression occurs, the sympathetic response diminishes, resulting in bradycardia rather than tachycardia. Therefore, Cushing's Triad is not associated with preventing tachycardia.
B. Agonal breathing (Option B): Agonal breathing, characterized by gasping, labored breathing, or irregular breathing patterns, may occur as a result of brainstem dysfunction or damage. Cushing's Triad, indicative of increased ICP and impending brainstem herniation, does not prevent agonal breathing. In fact, irregular respirations are part of Cushing's Triad.
C. Chest pain (Option C): Chest pain may occur due to various cardiac or respiratory conditions and is not directly related to Cushing's Triad or increased intracranial pressure. Therefore, Cushing's Triad does not prevent chest pain.
D. Brainstem ischemia (Option D): Increased intracranial pressure can lead to brainstem compression, compromising blood flow to the brainstem and resulting in brainstem ischemia. Cushing's Triad, characterized by hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations, is a nervous system response indicative of severe brain injury or increased ICP, which can lead to brainstem ischemia if left untreated. Therefore, Cushing's Triad is associated with brainstem ischemia rather than preventing it.
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