A patient who is unconscious after a head injury has cerebral edema. Which nursing intervention will be included in the plan of care?
Encourage coughing and deep breathing
Position the patient with knees and hips flexed
Perform nursing interventions once an hour to provide rest periods
Keep the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because encouraging coughing and deep breathing can increase intracranial pressure (ICP), which is the pressure inside the skull that can affect brain function. Coughing and deep breathing can increase blood flow and oxygen demand to the brain, which can worsen cerebral edema. The nurse should suction the patient as needed and maintain a patent airway.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because positioning the patient with knees and hips flexed can increase ICP by reducing venous drainage from the head. The nurse should position the patient with neck and body in alignment and avoid extreme flexion or extension of any joints.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because performing nursing interventions once an hour can disturb the patient's sleep and increase ICP by stimulating brain activity. The nurse should cluster nursing interventions and provide quiet and dark environment to promote rest and reduce stress.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because keeping the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees can decrease ICP by facilitating venous drainage from the head and reducing cerebral blood volume. The nurse should monitor the patient's blood pressure and pulse to ensure adequate cerebral perfusion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Culture is not a diagnostic test that uses an ultraviolet light source, but a laboratory test that involves growing microorganisms from a sample of body fluid or tissue. Culture can help identify the type and sensitivity of the infection-causing agent.
Choice B Reason: KOH is not a diagnostic test that uses an ultraviolet light source, but a chemical test that involves applying potassium hydroxide to a sample of skin, hair, or nail. KOH can help diagnose fungal infections by dissolving the keratin and revealing the fungal elements under a microscope.
Choice C Reason: Diascopy is not a diagnostic test that uses an ultraviolet light source, but a physical test that involves applying pressure to a lesion with a glass slide or lens. Diascopy can help differentiate between blanchable and non-blanchable lesions, such as erythema or petechiae.
Choice D Reason: Wood's is a diagnostic test that uses an ultraviolet light source, also known as a Wood's lamp or black light. Wood's can help observe color changes to the skin that are not visible under normal light, such as fluorescence or hypopigmentation. Wood's can help diagnose conditions such as tinea capitis, vitiligo, or erythrasma.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect. Inability to perform within normal limits is a vague and general term that does not describe the specific finding of left facial droop. The nurse should document the exact observation and compare it to the expected or normal range.
Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect. Symmetrical findings mean that both sides of the body or face are equal or similar in appearance or function. Left facial droop indicates that one side of the face is lower or weaker than the other, which is not symmetrical.
Choice C Reason: This is the correct choice. Asymmetrical findings mean that both sides of the body or face are unequal or different in appearance or function. Left facial droop indicates that one side of the face is lower or weaker than the other, which is asymmetrical.
Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect. Bilateral strength present means that both sides of the body or face have normal or adequate muscle power or force. Left facial droop indicates that one side of the face has reduced or impaired muscle power or force, which is not bilateral strength present.
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