A patient is admitted to the ED (emergency department) with an intracranial problem. Upon arrival the RN (registered nurse) immediately ensures that the head of the bed is elevated at 35 degrees. Identify the pathophysiological rational for this intervention?
Elevating the head of the bed promotes venous return and helps increase the ICP.
Elevation of the head of the bed aids in maintaining cerebral perfusion.
Elevation of the head of the bed will increase intracranial pressure (ICP).
The nurse should keep the head of the bed flat to ensure adequate arterial circulation.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Elevating the head of the bed promotes venous return and helps increase the ICP: This is incorrect. Elevation of the head of the bed helps to decrease intracranial pressure (ICP) by promoting venous drainage rather than increasing it.
B. Elevation of the head of the bed aids in maintaining cerebral perfusion: Elevating the head of the bed helps to decrease ICP, which in turn aids in maintaining adequate cerebral perfusion pressure.
C. Elevation of the head of the bed will increase intracranial pressure (ICP): This is incorrect. Elevation of the head of the bed is intended to reduce ICP, not increase it.
D. The nurse should keep the head of the bed flat to ensure adequate arterial circulation: This is incorrect. Keeping the head of the bed flat can increase ICP, which is counterproductive in managing intracranial pressure.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hyperproteinemia and increased drug effect: In cirrhosis, hypoproteinemia (low protein levels) occurs due to decreased protein synthesis by the liver, and drug metabolism is often impaired, leading to increased drug effects, but hyperproteinemia is not a typical finding.
B. Hyperkalemia and fluid retention: While fluid retention is common due to hypoalbuminemia and portal hypertension, hyperkalemia is not a direct consequence of hepatocyte dysfunction.
C. Hypercortisolism and increased infection risk: Hypercortisolism is not typically associated with cirrhosis. However, increased infection risk is common due to compromised immune function.
D. An elevated blood glucose and ammonia level: In cirrhosis, the liver's ability to metabolize ammonia is impaired, leading to elevated levels. Additionally, impaired glucose metabolism can result in hyperglycemia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Steroid injections will be administered daily: This is incorrect; steroid therapy may exacerbate Cushing's disease. The condition is often due to excessive production of cortisol, not a deficiency.
B. Weight gain and edema are present: Hyperaldosteronism, often associated with Cushing's syndrome, leads to sodium and water retention, resulting in weight gain and edema.
C. Painful leg cramps are common from hyperkalemia: Hyperaldosteronism typically causes hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia, leading to muscle cramps, not leg pain from hyperkalemia.
D. Decreased amount of body hair is frequently seen: Cushing's disease often leads to hirsutism (increased body hair), not a decrease.
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