Exhibits
Which may have caused the change in the Glasgow Coma Scale score between 2000 and 2400? Select all that apply.
The client may be developing sepsis.
The client may be dehydrated.
The client may have increasing symptoms of head injury.
The client may have been sleeping.
The client may be improving clinically.
The client may require more morphine
The client may be experiencing sedative effects of morphine.
Correct Answer : C,D,G
A. The client may be developing sepsis.
Sepsis typically presents with symptoms such as fever, increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate, and altered blood pressure. There is no indication of these signs in the provided data,
making sepsis an unlikely cause for the change in the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score.
B. The client may be dehydrated.
Dehydration can affect cognitive function, but there is no evidence suggesting dehydration in this scenario (e.g., normal heart rate, blood pressure, and no noted intake/output imbalance).
C. The client may have increasing symptoms of head injury.
A decrease in GCS score can indicate worsening head injury symptoms, such as increased intracranial pressure or bleeding.
D. The client may have been sleeping.
Sleeping can temporarily affect the GCS score, particularly the eye-opening component.
E. The client may be improving clinically.
Improvement clinically would likely result in a stable or improved GCS score, not a decrease.
F. The client may require more morphine.
Needing more morphine would typically be due to increased pain, but this should not directly affect the GCS score unless severe pain is causing altered consciousness, which is not indicated here.
G. The client may be experiencing sedative effects of morphine.
Morphine, especially given intravenously, can cause sedation, which could lower the GCS score.
H. The client may need food.
Needing food would not typically cause an immediate change in GCS score unless associated with severe hypoglycemia, which is not indicated by the provided data.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Test the fluid on the dressing for glucose.
This is the correct action. Clear fluid on a dressing after lumbar spinal surgery could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Testing the fluid for glucose is essential because CSF contains glucose, whereas normal wound drainage does not. A positive glucose test would confirm the presence of CSF, indicating a potential complication that requires immediate medical attention.
B. Mark the drainage area with a pen and continue to monitor.
While monitoring the size of the drainage area can be useful, it is not the immediate priority. The nurse should first determine whether the clear fluid is CSF.
C. Change the dressing using a compression bandage.
Changing the dressing might be necessary, but using a compression bandage without first identifying the nature of the fluid could be inappropriate and potentially harmful if the fluid is CSF.
D. Document the findings in the electronic medical record.
Documentation is important, but it is not the immediate action. The nurse needs to identify the nature of the fluid first.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Provide only distilled water. Providing only distilled water is not appropriate in this situation.
The client's weight gain and electrolyte imbalance indicate the need for careful monitoring and intervention, but restricting fluid intake to distilled water alone may not address the underlying issues adequately.
B. Document abdominal girth. Documenting abdominal girth is important to assess for signs of ascites, which can occur in hepatic failure. A sudden weight gain and elevated blood pressure may indicate fluid retention, and documenting abdominal girth can provide additional information about fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
C. Offer a high protein diet. While nutritional support is important for clients with hepatic failure, offering a high protein diet may not be appropriate if the client has an electrolyte imbalance. Protein intake should be balanced and monitored carefully to avoid exacerbating the imbalance.
D. Use a cushion when sitting. Using a cushion when sitting may be beneficial for comfort, but it does not directly address the identified issues of electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, and weight gain. The priority is to assess and address these concerns through appropriate
interventions such as documenting abdominal girth and addressing fluid retention.
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