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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Tapping the client's facial nerve and noting any facial twitching is not a specific assessment for bacterial meningitis. This action is more related to evaluating facial nerve function and is not typically used to diagnose meningitis.

Choice B reason: Striking the client's patellar tendon with a percussion hammer and noting any increase in response is a test for reflexes, which may or may not be altered in bacterial meningitis. An increased response can be seen in various neurological conditions and is not specific to meningitis.

Choice C reason: Gently elevating the client's head and noting any nuchal rigidity is a key part of the focused assessment for bacterial meningitis. Nuchal rigidity, or stiffness of the neck, is a classic sign of meningitis and is assessed by gently lifting the head and attempting to move the chin toward the chest. If the client resists due to pain or stiffness, this could indicate nuchal rigidity associated with meningitis.

Choice D reason: Running a tongue blade on the outside of the client's sole and noting any flaring of the toes, known as the Babinski sign, is used to assess for central nervous system lesions and is not specific to meningitis. While it can be part of a neurological assessment, it does not specifically indicate bacterial meningitis.

A. Change the ostomy pouch daily. B. Empty the ostomy pouch when it is 2/3 full. C. Trim the opening of the ostomy seal to be 1/2 inch wider than the stoma. D. Apply lotion to the peristomal skin when changing the ostomy pouch.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Changing the ostomy pouch daily is not necessary and could lead to skin irritation from the frequent removal and application of the adhesive. Ostomy pouches are designed to be worn for several days, and the schedule for changing them can vary based on the type of pouch and individual needs.

Choice B reason: Emptying the ostomy pouch when it is 2/3 full is the correct instruction. This prevents the pouch from becoming too heavy, which could pull on the stoma and cause discomfort or damage. It also reduces the risk of leaks and odors.

Choice C reason: Trimming the opening of the ostomy seal to be 1/2 inch wider than the stoma is incorrect. The opening should be trimmed to match the size of the stoma to provide a secure fit and prevent leakage of the contents onto the skin, which could cause irritation or infection.

Choice D reason: Applying lotion to the peristomal skin when changing the ostomy pouch is not recommended. Lotions or creams can interfere with the adhesive of the ostomy appliance and reduce the effectiveness of the seal. The peristomal skin should be clean and dry to ensure the best adherence of the ostomy appliance.

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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:

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