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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason: A virus is not detected by the KOH test, which is used to diagnose fungal infections of the skin, hair, or nails. A virus can be detected by other tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or viral culture.

Choice B Reason: A fungal infection is detected by the KOH test, which dissolves the skin cells and leaves behind the fungal elements that can be seen under a microscope. A fungal infection can cause symptoms such as itching, scaling, redness, or blisters.

Choice C Reason: A bacterial infection is not detected by the KOH test, which is specific for fungi. A bacterial infection can be detected by other tests, such as gram stain or culture.

Choice D Reason: Cancer is not detected by the KOH test, which is not a screening tool for malignancy. Cancer can be detected by other tests, such as biopsy or imaging.

A. To administer medications and electrolytes B. To dilate the stomach as a presurgical preparation C. You will not be able to eat for several days D. To remove secretions and decompress your stomach

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because administering medications and electrolytes is not the primary purpose of inserting a nasogastric tube for a client with acute peritonitis. Medications and electrolytes can be given through other routes, such as IV or oral.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because dilating the stomach as a presurgical preparation is not a relevant Reason for inserting a nasogastric tube for a client with acute peritonitis. Dilating the stomach may be done before some types of gastric surgery, but it does not apply to peritonitis.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because stating that you will not be able to eat for several days is not an adequate explanation for inserting a nasogastric tube for a client with acute peritonitis. This statement does not address the rationale or the benefits of the procedure. It may also cause anxiety and resentment in the client.

Choice D Reason: This is the correct choice because removing secretions and decompressing the stomach is the main Reason for inserting a nasogastric tube for a client with acute peritonitis. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. It can cause abdominal distension, pain, nausea, and vomiting. A nasogastric tube can suction out the gastric contents and reduce the pressure and irritation in the abdomen.

View Question and Answer

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

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

The client inquires what the positive result from the potassium hydroxide (KOH) test indicates. Which of the following is an accurate response by the nurse?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse caring for a client with acute peritonitis reviews the physician's orders. The orders include an NPO diet, insertion of a nasogastric tube set to low intermittent suction, and IV fluids at 50 mL per hour. When asked why he will need the NG tube, what is the nurse's best reply?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

An Asian family arrives with their newborn for a well visit. When assessing the infant, the nurse observes the following skin irregularity. What is the nurse's priority action?

The nurse is providing care for a client with a recent transverse colostomy. Which observation requires immediate notification of the primary health care provider?

A client with a newborn asks about the lesion on her child's head. After assessing the skin, which response will the nurse offer to the client?

A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who has burns on the front and back of both his legs and arms. Using the rule of nines, the nurse should document burns to which percentage of the client's total body surface area (TBSA)?

A client who recently suffered a stroke suffers from right-sided homonymous hemianopsia. What is the best action for the nurse to take when caring for the client during mealtime?

The nurse provides instructions to a client diagnosed with inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) about measures to treat diarrhea caused by acute flare-ups. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client who has burns to his face, ears, and eyelids. The nurse should identify which of the following is the priority finding to report to the provider?

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