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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. High unconjugated, low direct: In liver disease, both conjugated (direct) and unconjugated bilirubin levels are typically elevated.
B. High conjugated, high direct: In cirrhosis and alcoholic liver disease, the liver's ability to process bilirubin is impaired, leading to elevated levels of both conjugated (direct) and unconjugated bilirubin, causing jaundice.
C. High direct, high unconjugated: Both direct (conjugated) and unconjugated bilirubin levels are elevated, but this does not clarify the direct relationship with jaundice.
D. Low indirect, normal unconjugated: In liver disease, bilirubin levels are elevated, not low or normal.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Positive Brudzinski's sign: A positive Brudzinski's sign, which involves involuntary flexion of the hips and knees when the neck is flexed, is a common finding in meningitis (both viral and bacterial).
B. Dysarthria and double vision: These symptoms are not typical of viral meningitis; they are more often associated with neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
C. Petechiae and purpura: These are more commonly associated with bacterial meningitis, particularly meningococcal meningitis, rather than viral meningitis.
D. Positive Babinski's reflex: A positive Babinski’s reflex indicates an upper motor neuron lesion and is not specific to meningitis.
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