A nurse is preparing to administer an osmotic diuretic IV to a client with increased intracranial pressure. Which of the following should the nurse identify as the purpose of the medication?

Reduce edema of the brain.

Increase cell size in the brain.

Expand extracellular ﬂuid volume.

Provide ﬂuid hydration.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A Reason: This is correct because an osmotic diuretic, such as mannitol, works by creating an osmotic gradient that draws ﬂuid from the brain tissue into the blood vessels, thereby reducing cerebral edema and intracranial pressure.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because an osmotic diuretic would decrease, not increase, the cell size in the brain by removing ﬂuid from the intracellular space.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because an osmotic diuretic would decrease, not expand, the extracellular ﬂuid volume by increasing the urine output and excreting excess ﬂuid from the body.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because an osmotic diuretic would not provide ﬂuid hydration, but rather cause ﬂuid loss and dehydration.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect because providing a brightly lit environment may stimulate the client and increase the intracranial pressure. A brightly lit environment is an environment that has a high level of illumination or brightness. It may be used for clients who have depression, seasonal aﬀective disorder, or insomnia, but it does not help to reduce the intracranial pressure.

Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect because teaching controlled coughing and deep breathing may increase the intrathoracic pressure and increase the intracranial pressure. Controlled coughing and deep breathing are techniques that help to clear the airway and improve lung expansion. They may be used for clients who have respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or postoperative complications, but they do not help to reduce the intracranial pressure.

Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because encouraging a minimum intake of 2000 mL (67.5 oz) of clear ﬂuids per day may cause ﬂuid overload and increase the intracranial pressure. Fluid overload is a condition in which the body has too much ﬂuid, which can impair the function of the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Therefore, restricting ﬂuid intake and using diuretics may be indicated for clients who have increased intracranial pressure.

Choice D Reason: This choice is correct because elevating the head of the bed 20° may help to improve the venous drainage and decrease the intracranial pressure. As explained above, positioning the client in a semi-Fowler's or high-Fowler's position can facilitate breathing and prevent further complications. However, elevating the head of the bed more than 30° may decrease the cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), which is the diﬀerence between the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the intracranial pressure (ICP). A normal CPP range is 70 to 100 mm Hg, and a low CPP (<50 mm Hg) can cause cerebral ischemia, herniation, or death. Therefore, elevating the head of the bed to a moderate angle (20°) may be optimal for clients who have increased ICP.

A. Administer a nitrate antihypertensive. B. Obtain the client's heart rate. C. Assess the client for bladder distention. D. Place the client in a high-Fowler's position.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because administering a nitrate antihypertensive is not the first action, as it may cause a rapid drop in blood pressure and worsen the client's condition.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because obtaining the client's heart rate is not the first action, as it does not address the cause of autonomic dysreﬂexia or relieve the symptoms.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because assessing the client for bladder distention is not the first action, as it may take time and delay the treatment of autonomic dysreﬂexia.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because placing the client in a high-Fowler's position is the first action, as it lowers the blood pressure by promoting venous return and reducing cardiac preload.

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A nurse is preparing to administer an osmotic diuretic IV to a client with increased intracranial pressure. Which of the following should the nurse identify as the purpose of the medication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has increased intracranial pressure. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has quadriplegia from a spinal cord injury and reports having a severe headache. The nurse obtains a blood pressure reading of 210/108 mm Hg and suspects the client is experiencing autonomic dysreﬂexia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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