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 earphones are not used in the Rinne test. The Rinne test compares air conduction and bone conduction of sound using a tuning fork.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because electrodes are not used in the Rinne test. Electrodes are used in electroencephalography (EEG), which measures brain activity.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because a probe is not used in the Rinne test. A probe is used in tympanometry, which measures the pressure and mobility of the eardrum.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because a tuning fork is used in the Rinne test. The tuning fork is placed on the mastoid process behind the ear and then moved near the ear canal to compare the sound perception.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Notifying child protective services is not the priority action, as it is not indicated by the skin irregularity. The skin irregularity is most likely a Mongolian spot, which is a benign, bluish-gray or purple patch of pigmentation that is common in infants of Asian, African, or Hispanic descent. It is not a sign of abuse or injury, but rather a normal variation of skin color.
Choice B Reason: This is the correct choice. Recording the finding is the priority action, as it documents the presence and location of the Mongolian spot and prevents confusion or misdiagnosis in the future. The Mongolian spot usually fades by age 2 to 4 years, but it may persist into adulthood.
Choice C Reason: Notifying the healthcare provider is not the priority action, as it is not necessary for the skin irregularity. The skin irregularity is not a cause for concern or intervention, but rather a normal variation of skin color.
Choice D Reason: Interviewing the clients about the injury is not the priority action, as it is not appropriate for the skin irregularity. The skin irregularity is not an injury, but rather a normal variation of skin color. Interviewing the clients about it may imply suspicion or accusation of abuse, which can damage the nurse-client relationship and trust.
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