The nurse has established a goal to maintain intracranial pressure (ICP) within the normal range for the patient with an acute head injury. Which action(s) should the nurse take to achieve this goal? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Encourage the patient to cough to expectorate secretions
Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees
Stimulate the patient with active range of motion exercises
Perform serial neurologic assessments while hospitalized
Contact the healthcare provider if the ICP is sustained between 30-40mmHg
Correct Answer : B,D,E
A. Coughing can increase ICP by increasing intrathoracic pressure and should be minimized in patients with head injuries.
B. Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees promotes venous drainage from the head, reducing ICP.
C. Active stimulation can increase ICP and is generally avoided in patients with acute head injuries.
D. Serial neurologic assessments help monitor any changes in the patient’s condition and ICP, allowing for timely intervention.
E. Sustained ICP levels between 30-40 mmHg are significantly elevated and require immediate communication with the healthcare provider, as they are above the normal range and could lead to further complications
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Discussing over-the-counter drugs with the healthcare provider is essential, as they can interact with antiepileptic medications.
B. Discontinuing antiepileptic medications abruptly can lead to rebound seizures and is unsafe, so this statement is correct.
C. Doubling up on doses can lead to toxicity and adverse effects; missed doses should not be made up by doubling the next dose. This response indicates the need for further teaching.
D. Taking medications exactly as prescribed is necessary to maintain therapeutic levels and manage seizure control effectively.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A severe headache, often described as a "thunderclap" headache or the worst headache of the patient’s life, is a classic symptom of subarachnoid hemorrhage due to irritation of the meninges and increased intracranial pressure.
B. Generalized weakness may occur in some neurological conditions but is not a hallmark symptom of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
C. Gradual blurry vision is more associated with conditions like increased intracranial pressure or other eye-related issues rather than acute subarachnoid hemorrhage.
D. Chest pain is not typically associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage; it may indicate other conditions such as myocardial infarction or pulmonary issues.
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