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.

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. A sudden, explosive, disorderly charge of neurons causes a transient aberration in brain function: This describes the pathophysiology of seizures, not myasthenia gravis.

B. Loss of the myelin sheath surrounding peripheral nerves causes asymmetric weakness: This describes multiple sclerosis, not myasthenia gravis.

C. Destruction of acetylcholine receptors causes muscle weakness with prolonged activity: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease where antibodies attack acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness, especially after repeated use.

D. A bacterial inflammatory illness that causes headache and photophobia: This describes meningitis, not myasthenia gravis.

A. Non-bloody diarrhea with abdominal cramps. B. Belching and burping within one hour after eating. C. Severe epigastric pain that radiates to his back. D. Heartburn that worsens when lying down

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Non-bloody diarrhea with abdominal cramps: These symptoms are not typical of pancreatitis. They are more common in gastrointestinal infections or irritable bowel syndrome.

B. Belching and burping within one hour after eating: These symptoms are usually associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or dyspepsia, not pancreatitis.

C. Severe epigastric pain that radiates to his back: Severe epigastric pain that radiates to the back is a hallmark symptom of acute pancreatitis.

D. Heartburn that worsens when lying down: This symptom is more characteristic of GERD rather than pancreatitis.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which response best connects the pathology of myasthenia gravis with its signs and symptoms (S&S)?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which manifestations (S&S) alert the nurse to the possibility of pancreatitis in the patient who has elevated serum amylase and lipase levels?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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