The client presents with an exaggeration of the lumbar spine curve. How does the nurse interpret this finding?

Choice A rationale

Administering a bolus of normal saline addresses fluid volume but does not directly address the respiratory effort increase or potential increased ICP, which is the most concerning aspect of the head injury.

Choice B rationale

Administering bronchodilators and monitoring LOC may help with respiratory issues but does not address the underlying problem of increased ICP, which could be causing the increased respiratory effort.

Choice C rationale

Increasing the client's bed height and reassessing in 30 minutes might temporarily help, but it is not the most immediate and appropriate intervention. The client’s symptoms suggest a more urgent issue.

Choice D rationale

Informing the care team and assessing for further signs of increased ICP is crucial. Increased respiratory effort in a client with head injury can indicate rising intracranial pressure, which requires immediate medical attention to prevent further complications.

Choice A rationale

MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's structures. The preparation for an MRI typically involves removing metal objects and sometimes fasting, but it is not similar to a myelogram.

Choice B rationale

A lumbar puncture, like a myelogram, involves inserting a needle into the spinal canal to collect cerebrospinal fluid or inject contrast dye. The preparation for both procedures includes obtaining consent, positioning the patient, and ensuring proper hydration. This similarity is why the nurse should explain that the preparation is akin to a lumbar puncture.

Choice C rationale

Cerebral angiography is an invasive procedure used to visualize blood vessels in the brain, requiring catheter insertion and contrast dye. The preparation is more complex, involving fasting and possible sedation, differing from the simpler preparation for a myelogram.

Choice D rationale

An EEG (electroencephalogram) measures electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp. The preparation is generally non-invasive and less intensive than that for a myelogram, typically involving clean hair and avoiding caffeine.