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

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Frequent passive range of motion exercises are crucial for preventing complications of immobility, such as contractures and pressure ulcers, and to promote circulation in patients with spinal cord injuries.

B. While coughing and deep breathing exercises are important for respiratory health, they should be performed more frequently than once per shift in patients with reduced mobility to prevent respiratory complications.

C. Turning the patient every 4 hours may not be adequate to prevent pressure ulcers; typically, patients should be turned at least every 2 hours.

D. Patients with a complete spinal cord injury at C7 typically lack the ability to ambulate, making this intervention inappropriate.

A. Altered mental status B. Tachycardia and hypotension C. Fixed and dilated pupils D. Widening pulse pressure

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Altered mental status, such as confusion, restlessness, or lethargy, is often the earliest sign of increasing ICP as it reflects brain tissue compression.

B. Tachycardia and hypotension are not primary indicators of elevated ICP.

C. Fixed and dilated pupils indicate severe and often irreversible ICP increase, occurring later in the progression.

D. Widening pulse pressure is a later sign of increased ICP, following changes in mental status.

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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)

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a patient with a complete spinal cord injury at the level of C7. Which intervention would the nurse implement in order to prevent complications related to immobility?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a patient with an acute head injury. Which assessment finding would first alert the nurse that the patient is developing an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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