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 C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Obtaining the client's blood glucose every 12 hr is not enough, as the nurse should monitor it more frequently, at least every 4 to 6 hr, to prevent hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. TPN is a high-glucose solution that can affect the blood sugar levels.
Choice B Reason: Changing the IV site dressing every 4 days is not enough, as the nurse should change it daily or as needed to prevent infection. TPN is a high-risk solution that can introduce microorganisms into the bloodstream.
Choice C Reason: This is the correct choice. Changing the IV tubing every 24 hr is recommended to prevent infection and maintain sterility. TPN is a complex solution that can support bacterial growth and contamination.
Choice D Reason: Weighing the client every other day is not enough, as the nurse should weigh the client daily to evaluate fluid balance and nutritional status. TPN can cause fluid retention or depletion, as well as weight gain or loss.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: A facial tumor is not related to Guillain-Barre syndrome, which is an autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nerves.
Choice B Reason: Pregnancy is not a risk factor for Guillain-Barre syndrome, although it can occur during or after pregnancy in rare cases.
Choice C Reason: A puncture wound 3 weeks ago is unlikely to cause Guillain-Barre syndrome, which usually follows a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection.
Choice D Reason: This is the correct answer because cytomegalovirus is one of the common infections that can trigger Guillain-Barre syndrome. It can cause inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath that covers the nerves.
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