The nurse is caring for a patient in the ICU with a diagnosis of acute closed head injury whose intracranial pressure (ICP) is 30mmHg. What is the priority action by the nurse?

Suction the patient to minimize secretions

Continue with the assessment and document the finding

Notify the physician and raise HOB to 35-45 degrees

Lower the head of the bed and pad the side rails

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Suctioning can increase ICP due to the Valsalva response and should only be done if absolutely necessary.

B. Documenting without intervention could lead to worsening of the patient's condition.

C. Notifying the physician and raising the head of the bed helps to reduce ICP by promoting venous drainage. An ICP of 30 mmHg is critically high, requiring immediate intervention to prevent further damage.

D. Lowering the head of the bed can increase ICP further; head elevation is recommended to improve cerebral drainage.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Anesthetic eye drops can help with pain, but irrigation is the priority to prevent further damage.

B. A visual acuity exam is part of the assessment but should be performed after initial irrigation to prevent further damage.

C. Determining the pH of the chemical splash can guide further treatment but is secondary to immediate irrigation to dilute and remove the chemical.

D. Irrigating both eyes with normal saline is the priority action to dilute and flush out the chemical, reducing the risk of further injury.

A. Remove all foreign objects B. Stabilize object and lightly protect with covering C. Provide a light meal with clear liquids D. Instruct the patient vigorously blow their nose if necessary

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Removing objects is contraindicated, as it can worsen the injury.

B. Stabilizing the object and covering it prevents further injury until medical evaluation, which is critical in cases of eye trauma. Moving or removing a foreign body could lead to additional damage.

C. Providing a light meal is not directly related to managing eye trauma and does not address the immediate concern.

D. Blowing the nose could increase intraocular pressure, potentially worsening the injury.

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The nurse is caring for a patient in the ICU with a diagnosis of acute closed head injury whose intracranial pressure (ICP) is 30mmHg. What is the priority action by the nurse?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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