Here is the edited text:
A nurse is caring for a client who has a traumatic brain injury. The nurse notes that the client has a widening pulse pressure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Administer a vasodilator medication.

Elevate the head of the bed to 30°.

Apply a cold compress to the forehead.

Decrease the oxygen ﬂow rate.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect because administering a vasodilator medication may lower the blood pressure and worsen the cerebral perfusion. A vasodilator medication is a drug that relaxes the blood vessels and reduces the resistance to blood ﬂow. It may be used for clients who have hypertension, angina, or heart failure, but it does not help to reduce the intracranial pressure (ICP).

Choice B Reason: This choice is correct because elevating the head of the bed to 30° may help to improve the venous drainage and decrease the ICP. ICP is the pressure exerted by the brain tissue, cerebrospinal ﬂuid (CSF), and blood within the cranial cavity. A normal ICP range is 5 to 15 mm Hg, and an elevated ICP (>20 mm Hg) can cause cerebral ischemia, herniation, or death. Therefore, positioning the client in a semi-Fowler's position (30° angle) or high- Fowler's position (60° to 90° angle) can facilitate breathing and prevent further complications.

Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because applying a cold compress to the forehead may cause vasoconstriction and increase the ICP. A cold compress is a device that applies cold temperature to a body part to reduce inﬂammation, pain, or swelling. It may be used for clients who have headaches, sprains, or bruises, but it does not help to reduce the ICP.

Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect because decreasing the oxygen ﬂow rate may cause hypoxia and worsen the cerebral ischemia. Hypoxia is a condition in which the body or a part of it does not receive enough oxygen. It may cause symptoms such as confusion, agitation, or cyanosis. Therefore, providing adequate oxygenation and ventilation is essential to maintain the brain function and prevent further damage.

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Correct Answer is ["125"]

Explanation

Step 1: Determine the total time required to infuse 40 mEq at a rate of 10 mEq/hr.

40 mEq ÷ 10 mEq/hr = 4 hours

Result: 4 hours

Step 2: Determine the infusion rate in mL/hr.

500 mL ÷ 4 hours = 125 mL/hr

Result: 125 mL/hr

The nurse should set the IV pump to deliver 125 mL/hr.

A. Evaluate chest expansion. B. Check pupillary response to light. C. Check the client's response to questions about place and time. D. Assess the capillary refill.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A: Evaluating chest expansion is the first action that the nurse should take, because it assesses the client's respiratory status and potential for pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening condition that can result from chest trauma. The nurse should compare the movement of both sides of the chest and listen for breath sounds.

Choice B: Checking pupillary response to light is an important action, but not the first one, because it assesses the client's neurological status and potential for brain injury. The nurse should observe the size, shape, and symmetry of the pupils and their reaction to light.

Choice C: Checking the client's response to questions about place and time is another important action, but not the first one, because it assesses the client's level of consciousness and orientation. The nurse should ask the client simple questions such as their name, date, and location.

Choice D: Assessing the capillary refill is a less important action, and not the first one, because it assesses the client's peripheral circulation and tissue perfusion. The nurse should press on the client's nail beds or fingertips and observe how quickly the color returns.

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Here is the edited text: A nurse is caring for a client who has a traumatic brain injury. The nurse notes that the client has a widening pulse pressure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to administer 40 mEq of potassium chloride in 45% sodium chloride (NaCl) 500 mL IV to infuse 10 mEq/hr. The nurse should set the IV pump to deliver how many mL/hr? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Correct Answer is ["125"]

Explanation

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Here is the edited text:
A nurse is caring for a client who has a traumatic brain injury. The nurse notes that the client has a widening pulse pressure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?