A patient is exhibiting an altered level of consciousness and is unresponsive to verbal stimuli. To elicit a response from a painful stimulus, the nurse would:
Press down on the orbital area of the eye.
Pinch the trapezius muscle.
Use a 25-gauge needle.
Elicit a reflex with a reflex hammer.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Pressing down on the orbital area of the eye, known as the oculocephalic reflex or 'doll's eye' maneuver, is a method used to assess brainstem function in an unresponsive patient. However, this should be done with caution and is generally avoided if there is a suspicion of a neck injury or increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B reason: Pinching the trapezius muscle is a common method to elicit a response to painful stimuli. It is considered a less invasive and safer initial approach to assess the patient's response to pain without causing harm.
Choice C reason: Using a 25-gauge needle to elicit a response is not a standard practice and can be harmful. It poses a risk of skin puncture and infection, and it is not an appropriate method for assessing a patient's level of consciousness.
Choice D reason: Eliciting a reflex with a reflex hammer is used to assess the deep tendon reflexes, which can provide information about the integrity of the nervous system. However, it is not typically used as a method to elicit a response to painful stimuli in an unresponsive patient.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: White rice is considered a low-potassium food, making it a suitable option for someone with chronic kidney disease who needs to limit their potassium intake. One cup of cooked white rice contains approximately 54 mg of potassium, which is significantly lower than the other options listed.
Choice B reason: Nonfat yogurt can vary in potassium content, but on average, a 1/2 cup serving may contain around 200 to 300 mg of potassium. While it is a nutritious choice, it contains more potassium than white rice and should be consumed in moderation by individuals with potassium restrictions.
Choice C reason: A medium baked potato with skin is high in potassium, with one potato containing over 900 mg of potassium. This makes it an unsuitable choice for someone who needs to limit their potassium intake due to chronic kidney disease.
Choice D reason: Peanut butter contains a moderate amount of potassium. Two tablespoons of peanut butter can have around 150 to 200 mg of potassium. Although it's not as high in potassium as a baked potato, it still contains more potassium than white rice.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Glycosylated hemoglobin, also known as hemoglobin A1C, reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. It is a crucial indicator of long-term glycemic control in individuals with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends that the A1C level be checked at least two times a year in patients who are meeting treatment goals and have stable glycemic control. An A1C level below 7% is generally considered good control, and achieving this target can reduce microvascular complications of diabetes.
Choice B reason: Postprandial blood glucose levels indicate the amount of glucose in the blood after a meal. While it's an important measure, it reflects only the immediate response to food intake and does not provide information about long-term glycemic control.
Choice C reason: Fasting blood glucose levels measure the amount of glucose in the blood after an overnight fast. This test is used to detect diabetes or prediabetes but is less effective than the A1C test for monitoring long-term glycemic control.
Choice D reason: The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measures blood glucose levels before and two hours after consuming a glucose-rich drink. This test is primarily used for diagnosing diabetes and gestational diabetes, not for long-term monitoring.
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