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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect because furosemide is a diuretic that helps to reduce fluid retention and edema. It may be used for clients who have heart failure or hypertension, but it does not treat pulmonary embolism.
Choice B Reason: This choice is correct because heparin is an anticoagulant that helps to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger. It may be used for clients who have pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage of a pulmonary artery by a blood clot that usually originates from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Heparin can reduce the risk of complications such as pulmonary infarction or death.
Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that helps to reduce inflammation and immune response. It may be used for clients who have allergic reactions, asthma, or autoimmune diseases, but it does not treat pulmonary embolism.
Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect because epinephrine is a sympathomimetic that helps to stimulate the heart and blood vessels. It may be used for clients who have cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, or severe asthma, but it does not treat pulmonary embolism.
Choice E Reason: This choice is incorrect because atropine is an anticholinergic that helps to block the effects of acetylcholine on the heart and smooth muscles. It may be used for clients who have bradycardia, atrioventricular block, or organophosphate poisoning, but it does not treat pulmonary embolism.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This choice is correct because slow, steady bubbling in the suction control chamber indicates that the suction is working properly and maintaining a negative pressure in the pleural space. The nurse should continue to monitor the client's respiratory status, such as breath sounds, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate, to assess the effectiveness of the chest drainage system.
Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect because checking the suction control outlet on the wall is not necessary unless there is no bubbling in the suction control chamber, which would indicate a problem with the suction source or setting. The nurse should ensure that the suction control outlet is set at the prescribed level, usually between 10 and 20 cm H2O.
Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because clamping the chest tube is not indicated unless there is a leak in the system or the chest drainage unit needs to be changed. Clamping the chest tube may cause a buildup of air or fluid in the pleural space, which can lead to tension pneumothorax or pleural effusion.
Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect because checking the tubing connections for leaks is not necessary unless there is continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber, which would indicate an air leak in the system. The nurse should ensure that all tubing connections are tight and secure, and tape any loose connections.
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