A patient presents to the emergency department with signs of an epidural hematoma. Which manifestation is characteristic of this type of hematoma?
Loss of consciousness greater than 30 minutes following injury.
Lucid intervals followed by momentary unconsciousness.
Memory loss of the prior day's activities.
Amnesia of the injury event.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Loss of consciousness greater than 30 minutes following injury can occur in various types of head injuries but is not specific to epidural hematomas.
Choice B reason:
Lucid intervals followed by momentary unconsciousness are characteristic of epidural hematomas. Patients with epidural hematomas often experience a period of lucidity following the initial loss of consciousness, followed by a rapid decline in mental status as the hematoma enlarges and increases intracranial pressure.
Choice C reason:
Memory loss of the prior day's activities can occur with various head injuries but is not specific to epidural hematomas.
Choice D reason:
Amnesia of the injury event is common in head injuries but is not specific to epidural hematomas. The hallmark of epidural hematomas is the pattern of lucid intervals followed by rapid deterioration.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While preparing the gastrointestinal tract for enteral feedings is important, it is not the primary reason for administering famotidine. Famotidine is typically used to reduce gastric acid production, not to prepare the GI tract for feedings.
Choice B reason:
Increasing the motility of the gastrointestinal tract is not the primary function of famotidine. Famotidine is an H2 receptor antagonist that works by decreasing the production of stomach acid.
Choice C reason:
Keeping the gastrointestinal tract functioning normally is a broad statement and does not specifically address the reason for administering famotidine. The drug's role in preventing stress ulcers is more relevant to the patient's current condition.
Choice D reason:
Famotidine is used to prevent stress ulcers, which can occur in critically ill patients, including those on mechanical ventilation. The stress of illness and mechanical ventilation increases the risk of developing gastric ulcers, and famotidine helps reduce this risk by decreasing gastric acid secretion.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
A 72-year-old client with a brain tumor, GCS of 5, and decerebrate posturing may not be an ideal candidate for organ donation due to age and underlying cancer, which can affect organ viability.
Choice B reason:
A 24-year-old client after a motor vehicle accident with a GCS of 3 and no activity on electroencephalogram is a prime candidate for organ donation. The lack of brain activity indicates brain death, and the patient's young age and otherwise healthy organs make them suitable for transplantation.
Choice C reason:
A 68-year-old male with a massive stroke and GCS of 6 has significant neurological impairment but is not necessarily brain dead. Further evaluation would be required, but this patient may not meet the criteria for brain death necessary for organ donation.
Choice D reason:
A 50-year-old female with a GCS of 12 after surgical evacuation of an epidural hematoma is not an ideal candidate for organ donation at this time as they have a higher level of consciousness and potential for recovery.
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