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 D
Explanation
A. "I should ask my son to drive me to the grocery store." This statement does not directly address the risk for sudden cardiac death associated with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. While it may be a valid safety precaution to have someone else drive, it does not specifically address the client's understanding of the condition and its implications for sudden cardiac death.
B. "I will probably become easily constipated." Constipation is not a typical manifestation or complication of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. This statement does not demonstrate an understanding of the condition and its associated risk of sudden cardiac death.
C. "I am aware that I may develop frequent hiccups." Frequent hiccups are not a characteristic symptom or complication of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. This statement does not indicate an understanding of the condition and its risk for sudden cardiac death.
D. "I will need to avoid strenuous activity to prevent my heart from stopping." This statement reflects an understanding of the condition and its associated risk of sudden cardiac death. Strenuous activity can exacerbate arrhythmias in individuals with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, potentially leading to life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation. Avoiding strenuous activity is a recommended precaution to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death in individuals with this condition.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Distributive shock occurs due to loss of myocardial contractility": This statement is incorrect. Distributive shock is not primarily caused by loss of myocardial contractility. Instead, distributive shock is characterized by widespread vasodilation, which leads to inadequate tissue perfusion despite normal or high cardiac output.
B. "Distributive shock occurs due to loss of blood volume": This statement is inaccurate. Distributive shock is not primarily caused by loss of blood volume. While hypovolemia (loss of blood volume) can lead to shock, distributive shock specifically involves excessive vasodilation, resulting in a relative hypovolemia due to pooling of blood in the expanded vascular bed.
C. "Distributive shock occurs due to systemic vasodilation": This statement is correct. Distributive shock, also known as vasodilatory shock, occurs due to widespread vasodilation of the systemic vasculature. This vasodilation leads to a decrease in systemic vascular resistance, which results in the redistribution of blood flow away from vital organs and tissues, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion and shock.
D. "Distributive shock occurs due to increased systemic vascular resistance": This statement is incorrect. Distributive shock is characterized by decreased systemic vascular resistance due to vasodilation, not increased systemic vascular resistance. Increased systemic vascular resistance is more commonly associated with conditions such as hypertension or obstructive shock.
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