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 respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a high PaCO2, indicating that the client has impaired ventilation and excess carbon dioxide in the blood.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a low PaCO2, indicating that the client has increased ventilation and reduced carbon dioxide in the blood.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a low HCO3, indicating that the client has an excess of metabolic acids or a loss of base in the blood.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a high HCO3, indicating that the client has an excess of base or a loss of metabolic acids in the blood.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is a. Respiratory status.
Choice A: Respiratory Status
Reason: After the evacuation of a subdural hematoma, monitoring the respiratory status is crucial. This is because changes in respiratory patterns can indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP) or brainstem compression, which are life-threatening conditions. Ensuring that the airway is clear and that the patient is breathing adequately is the top priority. Normal respiratory rate for adults is 12-20 breaths per minute.
Choice B: Temperature
Reason: While monitoring temperature is important to detect infections or other complications, it is not the immediate priority in the acute postoperative period following a subdural hematoma evacuation. Fever can indicate infection, but it is less likely to cause immediate life-threatening complications compared to respiratory issues.
Choice C: Intracranial Pressure
Reason: Monitoring intracranial pressure (ICP) is very important in patients with brain injuries. Normal ICP ranges from 5-15 mmHg. However, changes in respiratory status can be an early indicator of increased ICP. Therefore, while ICP monitoring is critical, ensuring the patient’s respiratory status is stable takes precedence.
Choice D: Serum Electrolytes
Reason: Serum electrolytes are important to monitor for overall metabolic stability and to detect imbalances that could affect neurological function. Normal ranges for key electrolytes are: Sodium (135-145 mEq/L), Potassium (3.5-4.5 mEq/L), and Chloride (80-100 mEq/L). However, these are not the immediate priority in the acute phase following surgery compared to respiratory status.
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