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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason : While eating fresh fruits and vegetables is generally healthy, it does not specifically indicate an understanding of AIDS-related teaching. Some fruits and vegetables need to be carefully handled to avoid potential infections.
Choice B reason : Wearing gloves and washing hands after changing a cat's litter box is correct as it helps prevent the transmission of infections, such as toxoplasmosis, which can be particularly harmful to individuals with AIDS.
Choice C reason : Taking clothes to the dry cleaners for sterilization is unnecessary and does not reflect an understanding of AIDS-related precautions.
Choice D reason : Wiping up areas soiled with body fluids with alcohol and disposing of the trash is a good practice for infection control, but it is not as directly related to the client's understanding of AIDS-specific precautions as choice b.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Papilledema, which is the swelling of the optic disc due to increased ICP, is not typically an early sign. It is usually a later manifestation because it takes time for the pressure to build up and affect the optic nerve.
Choice B reason: Restlessness can be an early sign of increased ICP. As ICP begins to rise, it can cause subtle changes in a person's level of consciousness, leading to agitation or restlessness. This is often one of the first signs that healthcare providers notice when monitoring for changes in neurological status.
Choice C reason: Projectile vomiting may occur with increased ICP, but it is not usually an early sign. It tends to occur after other symptoms such as headache and altered consciousness and is more indicative of significant pressure increases that affect the brainstem.
Choice D reason: Decorticate posturing is a severe sign of brain injury associated with increased ICP but is not an early sign. It indicates significant damage to the brain and is a late and ominous sign in the progression of increased ICP.
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