A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about brain herniation. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include as a possible treatment for brain herniation?
Decrease sedation.
Hyperventilate the client.
Lower blood pressure.
Reduce the temperature in the room.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Decrease sedation: Decreasing sedation may help reduce intracranial pressure (ICP) by allowing the client to have a more responsive level of consciousness. However, it is not a direct treatment for brain herniation. Sedation reduction should be done cautiously to prevent agitation and further increases in ICP.
B. Hyperventilate the client: Hyperventilation is a temporary intervention used to reduce intracranial pressure by inducing cerebral vasoconstriction, which decreases cerebral blood flow and intracranial volume. However, it is typically reserved for acute situations and is not considered a definitive treatment for brain herniation. Prolonged or excessive hyperventilation can lead to cerebral ischemia and should be used cautiously.
C. Lower blood pressure: Lowering blood pressure may help reduce cerebral perfusion pressure, which can mitigate the risk of further brain injury during herniation. However, lowering blood pressure alone is not a direct treatment for brain herniation. It may be part of the overall management strategy to prevent secondary injury.
D. Reduce the temperature in the room: Reducing the temperature in the room, or therapeutic hypothermia, is sometimes used in the management of elevated intracranial pressure and brain injury. Lowering body temperature can reduce metabolic demands and cerebral edema, thereby lowering intracranial pressure. However, it is not a direct treatment for brain herniation and should be implemented cautiously to prevent complications such as shivering and hypotension.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Hypoxia and acidosis While hypoxia and acidosis are serious complications of shock, they are physiological rather than psychological outcomes. These conditions primarily affect the body's metabolic and respiratory functions, rather than mental health or behavior.
B) Hearing deficits and increased risk of glaucoma Hearing deficits and increased risk of glaucoma are potential complications associated with certain medical conditions or medications but are not directly related to the psychological outcomes of shock. These conditions affect sensory perception (hearing and vision) rather than mental health or behavior.
C) Bipolar behaviors and schizotypal behaviors Bipolar behaviors and schizotypal behaviors are manifestations of mood and psychotic disorders, respectively, and are not typical adverse outcomes of shock. While psychological disturbances can occur in critically ill patients, they are not commonly characterized by specific psychiatric diagnoses like bipolar or schizotypal behaviors.
D) Disorientation and depression Disorientation and depression are common adverse psychological outcomes experienced by patients who have spent an extended period in the intensive care unit (ICU) due to complications related to shock. Prolonged ICU stays, medical interventions, sedation, and physical discomfort can contribute to feelings of confusion, disorientation, and depression in patients. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to educate the client about these potential psychological effects and provide appropriate support and resources to address them during the transition to the medical unit.
Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
A. Colchicine:
Colchicine is commonly used in the treatment of pericarditis, especially in cases of recurrent or refractory pericarditis.
It helps reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms by inhibiting the migration of neutrophils to the inflamed pericardium.
Colchicine is often used in conjunction with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids for the management of pericarditis.
B. Acetaminophen:
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer commonly used to manage mild to moderate pain associated with various conditions, including pericarditis.
While acetaminophen may provide symptomatic relief, it is not typically considered a primary treatment for pericarditis, especially in cases of severe or recurrent pericarditis.
C. Indomethacin:
Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with pericarditis.
NSAIDs are often used as first-line therapy for acute pericarditis to alleviate symptoms such as chest pain and fever.
However, caution should be exercised when using NSAIDs in certain populations, such as older adults or those with preexisting gastrointestinal or renal conditions.
D. Amiodarone:
Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat various types of arrhythmias, including ventricular arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation.
While pericarditis may lead to certain arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, amiodarone is not a first-line treatment for pericarditis itself.
However, it may be used in cases where pericarditis is complicated by arrhythmias or concomitant cardiac conditions.
E. Nitroglycerine:
Nitroglycerine is a vasodilator medication commonly used to treat angina and heart failure.
While pericarditis may cause chest pain similar to angina, nitroglycerine is not typically used as a primary treatment for pericarditis.
In fact, nitroglycerine may exacerbate symptoms of pericarditis by causing venodilation and increasing cardiac preload.
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