A patient had a craniotomy one hour after a motor vehicle accident. The nurse evaluates pupillary response to:

assess the patient for potential visual deficits.

assess the patient's level of consciousness.

assess the patient for increased intracranial pressure.

assess the patient for cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Assessing the patient for potential visual deficits is not the primary purpose of evaluating pupillary response. Visual deficits may result from damage to the optic nerve or the occipital lobe, but they are not directly related to pupillary response.

Choice B reason: Assessing the patient's level of consciousness is an important part of the neurological assessment, but it is not done by evaluating pupillary response alone. Level of consciousness is determined by observing the patient's responsiveness to verbal and physical stimuli, as well as their orientation to person, place, time, and situation.

Choice C reason: Assessing the patient for increased intracranial pressure is the best explanation for evaluating pupillary response. Increased intracranial pressure is a life-threatening condition that can result from brain swelling, bleeding, or infection. It can cause compression of the brainstem and the cranial nerves, leading to changes in pupillary size, shape, and reactivity. Pupillary response is a sensitive indicator of intracranial pressure and brainstem function.

Choice D reason: Assessing the patient for cerebrospinal fluid leakage is not the main reason for evaluating pupillary response. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage can occur after a craniotomy due to a tear in the dura mater, the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord. It can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, and meningitis. However, it does not affect pupillary response unless it causes increased intracranial pressure.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A (Apples and grapes): While fruits like apples and grapes are generally healthy options, they may not be the best choice for a client in sickle cell crisis. These fruits are high in fiber and may require a significant amount of chewing, which can be challenging for someone experiencing a sickle cell crisis.

Choice B (Popsicles, gelatin, or juice): This choice is the most suitable for a client in sickle cell crisis. During a crisis, it's important to stay hydrated, and these options provide hydration along with easily digestible carbohydrates, which can be beneficial for maintaining energy levels.

Choice C (Beans): While beans are a good source of protein and fiber, they may not be well tolerated during a sickle cell crisis due to their high fiber content.

Choice D (Cheese): Although cheese is a source of protein and calcium, it may not be the best option during a sickle cell crisis, as dairy products can be harder to digest and may not contribute to hydration.

A. Flexion of the hip causes resistance to extension of the leg. B. Flexion of the neck causes flexion of the hips and knees. C. Flexion of the ankle causes upward fanning of the toes. D. Flexion of the neck causes pain and spasm in the leg muscles.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Flexion of the hip causing resistance to extension of the leg is not a sign of meningitis. It is a sign of hip joint inflammation or injury.

Choice B reason: Flexion of the neck causing flexion of the hips and knees is a positive Brudzinski's sign. It indicates irritation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Choice C reason: Flexion of the ankle causing upward fanning of the toes is not a sign of meningitis. It is a sign of an upper motor neuron lesion, such as a stroke or spinal cord injury.

Choice D reason: Flexion of the neck causing pain and spasm in the leg muscles is not a sign of meningitis. It is a sign of muscle strain or nerve compression.

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A patient had a craniotomy one hour after a motor vehicle accident. The nurse evaluates pupillary response to:

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following foods would the nurse encourage the client in sickle cell crisis to eat?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse assesses a patient who potentially may have meningitis. The patient demonstrates a positive Brudzinski's sign with which changes in position.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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