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 nystagmus is not a response to stimuli, but a condition that causes involuntary eye movements. Nystagmus can be caused by various factors, such as inner ear disorders, brain lesions, or drug toxicity, but not necessarily by cervical spine injury.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because decorticate positioning is a response to stimuli that indicates damage to the cerebral cortex or the corticospinal tract. Decorticate positioning is characterized by flexion of the arms and extension of the legs. It does not indicate cervical spine injury, which affects the spinal cord below the brainstem.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because lack of any response to stimuli can indicate various levels of brain damage or coma, but not specifically cervical spine injury. Lack of any response can also be influenced by other factors, such as sedation, hypothermia, or shock.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because decerebrate positioning is a response to stimuli that indicates damage to the brainstem or the upper cervical spine. Decerebrate positioning is characterized by extension and outward rotation of the arms and legs. It indicates a severe and life-threatening injury that can impair vital functions, such as breathing and blood pressure.
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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