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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate antibiotic therapy to prevent complications and death.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because documenting intake and output is not a priority action for a child with bacterial meningitis. Fluid balance is important, but not as urgent as antibiotic administration.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because reducing environmental stimuli is a supportive measure that can help reduce headache and photophobia, but it is not a priority action for a child with bacterial meningitis. The nurse should focus on preventing infection spread and monitoring for signs of increased intracranial pressure.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because maintaining seizure precautions is a preventive measure that can help protect the child from injury, but it is not a priority action for a child with bacterial meningitis. The nurse should administer anticonvulsants as prescribed and observe for seizure activity, but the main goal is to treat the infection.

A. Inability to perform within normal limits B. Symmetrical findings C. Asymmetrical findings D. Bilateral strength present

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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A patient who is unconscious after a head injury has cerebral edema. Which nursing intervention will be included in the plan of care?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a child who has a suspected diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

When performing an assessment, the nurse observes for bilateral equality. After performing a neurological assessment, which of the following will the nurse document when assessment findings indicate that there is left facial droop?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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