The nurse is caring for a postoperative client who had surgery to decrease intracranial pressure after suffering a head injury. Which assessment finding is promptly reported to the physician?
The client's vital signs are temperature, 101.9 F; heart rate, 88 beats/minute; respiratory rate, 18 breaths/minute, and blood pressure, 138/80 mm Hg.
The client has periorbital edema and ecchymosis.
The client prefers to rest in the semi-Fowler's position.
The client's level of consciousness has improved.
The Correct Answer is A
The client's vital signs are temperature, 101.9 F; heart rate, 88 beats/minute; respiratory rate, 18 breaths/minute, and blood pressure, 138/80 mm Hg. An elevated temperature is a significant finding that may indicate the presence of an infection, which can cause further neurological damage in a client with an intracranial injury. The physician should be notified promptly, as the client may require antibiotic therapy to prevent the spread of infection.
B. Periorbital edema and ecchymosis are normal findings following head injury and should be monitored but do not require immediate intervention.
C. Resting in semi-Fowler's position is an appropriate position to maintain after intracranial pressure-reducing surgery.
D. Improved level of consciousness is a positive finding and indicates that the client is responding well to treatment.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear characterized by episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. Nystagmus is not a common symptom of Meniere's disease. Nystagmus is a rhythmic oscillation of the eyes and may be present in other conditions such as vestibular disorders, drug toxicity, or brainstem lesions.
Choice B, nystagmus, is incorrect because although nystagmus can occur in other vestibular disorders, it is not a common symptom of Meniere's disease.
Choice E, loss of vision, is incorrect because Meniere's disease affects the inner ear and does not typically cause vision loss.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Measure abdominal girth according to a set routine. Abdominal enlargement is a common finding in clients with cirrhosis, which is a condition characterized by liver scarring and impaired liver function. Measuring abdominal girth regularly is an important nursing intervention to monitor the progression of abdominal distention and to identify potential complications such as ascites, which is an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.
Choice A, reporting the condition to the physician immediately, may be necessary if the abdominal enlargement is sudden or accompanied by other symptoms such as severe pain or shortness of breath.
Choice B, providing the client with nonprescription laxatives, is not indicated for abdominal enlargement in clients with cirrhosis.
Choice D, asking the client about food intake, is not relevant to the assessment of abdominal enlargement in clients with cirrhosis.
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