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. Fluid volume deficit. Gastroenteritis, characterized by fever, chills, anorexia, and diarrhea, can lead to significant fluid loss, especially in an older adult who may already have compromised fluid balance due to other factors such as stroke-related immobility. Fluid volume deficit is a critical problem that requires immediate attention to prevent complications such as hypovolemic shock.
B. Bowel incontinence. While bowel incontinence is a concern, it is not as immediately life- threatening as fluid volume deficit.
C. Caregiver role strain. While important for the client's overall well-being, caregiver role strain is a secondary concern compared to the client's physiological needs.
D. Impaired bed mobility. Impaired bed mobility is a long-term issue that requires attention but is not as urgent as addressing the immediate physiological needs of fluid volume deficit.
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
Actions to Take:
A. Educate on disease process and management: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic
autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation of the synovial membrane, leading to joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Educating the client about RA helps them understand the disease, its
progression, treatment options, and the importance of adherence to prescribed medications and lifestyle modifications. This empowers the client to actively participate in managing their condition and improve outcomes.
B. Turn every two hours to offload bony prominences to prevent pressure injuries: Rheumatoid arthritis predisposes individuals to joint deformities and immobility due to joint inflammation and pain. Immobility increases the risk of pressure injuries, especially over bony prominences. Turning the client every two hours helps redistribute pressure, reduces the risk of pressure ulcers, and maintains skin integrity.
Potential Condition:
D. Rheumatoid arthritis: The client's clinical presentation, including bilateral joint pain and stiffness, positive rheumatoid factor, positive antinuclear antibody test, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and soft tissue swelling with marginal erosions on hand X-rays, is consistent with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the synovial joints, leading to joint damage, pain, and functional impairment.
Parameters to Monitor:
C. Pain: Monitoring pain is essential in rheumatoid arthritis management to assess the effectiveness of pain management interventions and adjust treatment accordingly. Pain assessment tools, such as numerical rating scales or visual analog scales, help quantify pain intensity and guide pain management strategies.
D. Skin breakdown: Rheumatoid arthritis can limit mobility and predispose individuals to prolonged immobility, increasing the risk of pressure injuries. Monitoring for signs of skin breakdown, such as erythema, blanchable or non-blanchable skin changes, and skin integrity over bony prominences, helps prevent pressure ulcers and facilitates early intervention if skin breakdown occurs. Regularly turning the client, maintaining proper positioning, and providing adequate support surfaces are essential to prevent pressure injuries.
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