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 A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because dopamine is a vasopressor that increases the contractility and stroke volume of the heart, which results in an increased systolic blood pressure.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because dopamine can cause tachycardia as a side effect, but this does not indicate a therapeutic effect. An increased radial heart rate can also indicate other conditions, such as anxiety, fever, or dehydration.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because dopamine does not reduce cardiac output, but rather increases it by improving the pumping function of the heart.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because dopamine does not reduce urine output, but rather increases it by stimulating the renal blood vessels and enhancing renal perfusion.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This choice is correct because allowing the drainage to drip onto a sterile gauze pad may help to identify if it is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is a clear fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. CSF leakage from the nose (rhinorrhea) may indicate a basilar skull fracture, which is a serious injury that can cause intracranial bleeding, infection, or brain damage. The nurse should test the drainage for the presence of glucose or the halo sign, which are indicators of CSF.
Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect because obtaining a culture of the specimen using sterile swabs may introduce bacteria into the nasal cavity and increase the risk of infection. The nurse should avoid inserting anything into the nose or mouth of a client who has a suspected basilar skull fracture.
Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because inserting sterile packing into the nares may increase the pressure in the cranial cavity and worsen the injury. The nurse should avoid applying pressure or occluding the nose or ears of a client who has a suspected basilar skull fracture.
Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect because suctioning the nose gently with a bulb syringe may damage the nasal mucosa and cause bleeding. The nurse should avoid suctioning or irrigating the nose or ears of a client who has a suspected basilar skull fracture.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today