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: This is incorrect because this comment does not require reporting to the client's provider. It is normal to have reduced vision and an increased risk of falling with a patch on one eye after cataract surgery. The nurse should reassure the client, provide assistance with mobility, and educate the client on safety measures.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because this comment does not require reporting to the client's provider. It is normal to have some itching and discomfort in the eye after cataract surgery. The nurse should commend the client for not rubbing the eye, as this can cause infection or damage to the surgical site. The nurse should also administer anti-inflammatory eye drops as prescribed and instruct the client on how to apply them.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because this comment does not require reporting to the client's provider. It is normal to have increased sensitivity to light in the eye after cataract surgery. The nurse should dim the lights in the room, provide sunglasses or a shield for the eye, and educate the client on how to protect the eye from bright light.
Choice D reason: This is the correct answer because this comment requires reporting to the client's provider. Severe pain in the eye after cataract surgery can indicate a complication such as infection, inflammation, bleeding, or increased intraocular pressure. The nurse should assess the eye for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or bleeding, and report the findings and the pain level to the provider. The nurse should also administer analgesics as prescribed and monitor the pain relief.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect. Cranial Nerve VIII is the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is responsible for hearing and balance. It does not affect vision or eye movements.
Choice B Reason: This is the correct choice. Cranial Nerve II is the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain. It affects visual field and visual acuity, which are measures of peripheral and central vision, respectively.
Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect. Cranial Nerve I is the olfactory nerve, which is responsible for smell. It does not affect vision or eye movements.
Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect. Cranial Nerve VII is the facial nerve, which is responsible for facial expressions and taste. It does not affect vision or eye movements.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today