A nurse is providing care for a client who is at risk of cerebral aneurysm rupture. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the care plan?
Keep lights turned to medium level in the evening.
Maintain the head of the bed between 30 and 45°.
Administer hypotonic intravenous solutions.
Reposition the client every shift.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Keeping lights turned to medium level in the evening is incorrect. This intervention is aimed at reducing environmental stimuli, which may be appropriate for some patients with neurological conditions to minimize sensory overload and promote rest. However, it is not a specific intervention for preventing cerebral aneurysm rupture.
Choice B Reason:
Maintaining the head of the bed between 30 and 45° is correct. Keeping the head of the bed elevated can help reduce intracranial pressure and decrease the risk of cerebral aneurysm rupture or rebleeding in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. This position promotes venous drainage from the brain and helps prevent increases in intracranial pressure.
Choice C Reason:
Administering hypotonic intravenous solutions is incorrect. Hypotonic intravenous solutions have a lower osmolarity than blood plasma and can lead to cerebral edema, which may exacerbate intracranial pressure and increase the risk of cerebral aneurysm rupture. Isotonic solutions, such as normal saline (0.9% NaCl) or lactated Ringer's solution, are typically preferred for fluid resuscitation and maintenance in patients at risk of cerebral aneurysm rupture.
Choice D Reason:
Reposition the client every shift is incorrect. Repositioning the client every shift helps prevent complications associated with immobility, such as pressure ulcers, pneumonia, and venous thromboembolism. While important for overall patient care, repositioning alone does not directly address the risk of cerebral aneurysm rupture.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The client should maintain systolic BP between 120 and 129 mm Hg. This option aligns with current guidelines for blood pressure management following a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Tight blood pressure control is recommended to reduce the risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events, such as stroke. Maintaining systolic blood pressure (SBP) between 120 and 129 mm Hg has been associated with significant risk reduction in stroke recurrence compared to higher blood pressure targets. Therefore, this option reflects the recommended approach for blood pressure management in individuals with a history of TIA.
Choice B Reason:
The client should maintain systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg: This option suggests a systolic blood pressure (SBP) range that is higher than the recommended target for blood pressure management following a TIA. Allowing SBP to remain in the range of 136 to 140 mm Hg may pose an increased risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events compared to tighter blood pressure control.
Choice C Reason:
The client should maintain systolic BP between 141 and 145 mm Hg. Similarly, this option proposes a systolic blood pressure (SBP) range that is higher than the recommended target for blood pressure management following a TIA. Allowing SBP to remain in the range of 141 to 145 mm Hg may not provide adequate protection against stroke recurrence compared to tighter blood pressure control.
Choice D Reason:
The client should maintain systolic BP between 130 and 135 mm Hg. While this option suggests a systolic blood pressure (SBP) range that is closer to the recommended target compared to options B and C, it still falls slightly above the optimal range for blood pressure management following a TIA. Tighter blood pressure control, ideally below 130 mm Hg, is typically preferred to reduce the risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
MS hug is appropriate. The "MS hug" is a colloquial term used to describe a sensation of tightness, pressure, or squeezing around the torso or chest area experienced by some individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is caused by spasms or contractions of the intercostal muscles (muscles between the ribs) or the diaphragm due to lesions in the spinal cord disrupting nerve signals. This sensation can be uncomfortable or painful for the individual.
Choice B Reason:
Lhermitte's sign is inappropriate. Lhermitte's sign is a common symptom experienced by individuals with MS but it presents differently. It is characterized by an electric shock-like sensation that radiates down the spine and into the limbs, typically triggered by flexing the neck forward. It is caused by damage to the spinal cord's myelin sheath, leading to abnormal nerve signal transmission.
Choice C Reason:
Paroxysmal spasms is inappropriate. Paroxysmal spasms are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions or jerking movements that can occur in various parts of the body. While spasms are common in MS, they are not specifically associated with the sensation of tightness around the torso as described in the scenario.
Choice D Reason:
Trigeminal neuralgia is inappropriate. Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition characterized by sudden, severe facial pain often described as stabbing or electric shock-like. It is caused by irritation or damage to the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for facial sensation. While individuals with MS may experience trigeminal neuralgia, it typically does not present with a tightening feeling around the torso.
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