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: Moving the client to a double room may not be effective in preventing wandering and could potentially lead to confusion or agitation if the client is not comfortable with the roommate or the new environment.
Choice B reason: Using a bed alarm is a non-invasive way to alert staff if the client attempts to leave the bed. This can help prevent wandering and ensure the safety of the client without restricting their movement unnecessarily.
Choice C reason: Encouraging participation in activities that provide excessive stimulation is not recommended for clients with dementia, as it can lead to increased confusion, agitation, and potentially exacerbate wandering behaviors.
Choice D reason: The use of chemical restraints, such as sedative medications, should be a last resort and only used when necessary to ensure the safety of the client or others. It is important to use the least restrictive measures first and to always consider the ethical implications of using chemical restraints.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason : Uric acid levels are expected to be increased in a client with acute gout. Gout is associated with hyperuricemia, where serum or plasma urate concentrations exceed 6.8 mg/dL. This elevation in uric acid can lead to the formation of monosodium urate crystals in joints, causing the characteristic painful inflammation of gout.
Choice B reason : Intrinsic factor is not related to gout. It is a protein produced by the stomach that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.
Choice C reason : Chloride levels are typically not affected in acute gout and are not a specific indicator for this condition.
Choice D reason : Creatinine kinase is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, skeletal muscle, and other tissues. Elevated levels may indicate muscle damage but are not a specific marker for gout.
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