The nurse is caring for a 10-year-old who has an acute head injury, has a pediatric Glasgow coma score of 9. and is unconscious. Which interventions should the nurse include in the child's care plan?
Elevate the head of the bed 15 to 30 degrees with head maintained a midline position.
Maintain an active stimulating environment
Perform active chest percussion and suctioning every 1 to 2 hours.
Instruct child on preforming active range of motion
The Correct Answer is A
A. Elevate the head of the bed 15 to 30 degrees with head maintained a midline position.
Correct Explanation: This intervention is appropriate for a child with an acute head injury.
Explanation: Elevating the head of the bed helps reduce intracranial pressure by facilitating venous drainage from the head. However, it's important to keep the head in a midline position to prevent neck flexion, which can obstruct venous flow. Elevating the head 15 to 30 degrees is a standard approach for managing intracranial pressure in patients with head injuries.
B. Maintain an active stimulating environment.
Incorrect Explanation: Maintaining an active stimulating environment is not suitable for a child with an acute head injury.
Explanation: A child with an acute head injury should be in a quiet and calm environment. Overstimulation can worsen the condition by increasing intracranial pressure. It's important to minimize stimuli to allow the brain to heal.
C. Perform active chest percussion and suctioning every 1 to 2 hours.
Incorrect Explanation: Chest percussion and suctioning are not relevant interventions for an acute head injury.
Explanation: Active chest percussion and suctioning are typically used to manage respiratory conditions. While maintaining good respiratory function is important for overall patient care, it's not a primary intervention for an unconscious child with a head injury.
D. Instruct child on performing active range of motion.
Incorrect Explanation: Instructing the child on performing active range of motion is not appropriate for an unconscious child with a head injury.
Explanation: An unconscious child cannot actively perform range of motion exercises. Additionally, it's not a priority intervention in the acute phase of head injury management.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "I will continue to check his blood sugar two times every day."
Correct Explanation: This statement indicates a need for further instruction.
Explanation: A child with type 1 diabetes requires frequent blood sugar monitoring, especially during illness. Checking blood sugar only twice a day is not sufficient, especially when the child has an upper respiratory infection. Illness can impact blood sugar levels, so more frequent monitoring is necessary to ensure proper diabetes management.
B. "I will report a change in her breathing or any signs of confusion."
Incorrect Explanation: This statement shows awareness of potential complications and the need to monitor for them.
Explanation: Children with type 1 diabetes are at risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) when they are sick. Changes in breathing patterns and signs of confusion are symptoms of DKA. Reporting these symptoms is important, as it could indicate a serious diabetic complication.
C. "I will encourage her to drink half a cup of water or sugar-free fluid every 30 minutes."
Incorrect Explanation: This statement demonstrates proper fluid management, especially during illness.
Explanation: Encouraging the child to stay hydrated with sugar-free fluids is essential, particularly when the child has an upper respiratory infection. Proper hydration helps prevent dehydration, which can be more concerning for a child with diabetes.
D. "I will notify the doctor if her temperature is not controlled by acetaminophen."
Incorrect Explanation: This statement shows an understanding of the importance of managing fever in a child with diabetes.
Explanation: Children with diabetes can experience difficulty managing blood sugar levels when they're sick. Fever can exacerbate this issue. Using acetaminophen to control fever is appropriate, and notifying the doctor if fever persists is a responsible action.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "Limit fluid intake during mealtime":
Limiting fluid intake during meals is not a standard practice for managing type 1 diabetes. Proper hydration is important for overall health, and fluids should be consumed as needed.
B) "Notify the provider if blood glucose levels are over 350 milligrams/deciliter":
Blood glucose levels over 350 mg/dL can indicate hyperglycemia, which requires prompt attention. High blood glucose levels can lead to complications if not addressed promptly. Contacting the healthcare provider is an appropriate step. However, consistentBlood Glucose Levels Above 240 mg/dL (13.3 mmol/L) or presence of symptoms likefrequent urination, thirst, blurry vision, or fatigue) are concerning. The clientshould have contacted the health care provider by this point.
C) "Test the urine for ketones":
Testing urine for ketones is an important instruction. Ketones are produced when the body breaks down fat for energy, often in the absence of sufficient insulin. High ketone levels can indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication. Regular ketone testing, especially during illness or high blood glucose levels, helps monitor for DKA.
D) "Withhold insulin dose if feeling nauseous":
This instruction is not accurate. Nausea could be a sign of various conditions, including illness. Insulin should not be withheld without consulting a healthcare provider. Managing insulin doses appropriately is crucial to maintaining blood glucose control
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