The nurse is completing a neurological assessment on a client with a head injury. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is 14. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Prepare to give phenytoin IV as prescribed.
Perform a substernal rub to evoke a response to pain.
Promptly notify the healthcare provider (HCP) of the GCS score.
Continue monitoring the client's GCS score every 2 hours.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Prepare to give phenytoin IV as prescribed. Phenytoin is used for seizure prophylaxis in clients with moderate to severe head injuries (GCS ≤ 8–10). A GCS score of 14 indicates mild head injury, and prophylactic anticonvulsants may not be necessary unless ordered for specific risk factors.
B. Perform a substernal rub to evoke a response to pain. A substernal rub (painful stimulus) is used to assess response in unconscious or unresponsive clients (GCS ≤ 8). With a GCS of 14, the client is alert or nearly fully conscious, making a painful stimulus unnecessary and inappropriate.
C. Promptly notify the healthcare provider (HCP) of the GCS score. A GCS of 14 is not a critical or emergency finding, as it indicates mild neurological impairment. While the HCP should be updated on significant changes, routine monitoring is sufficient unless deterioration occurs.
D. Continue monitoring the client's GCS score every 2 hours. Frequent neurological assessments are crucial in head injury management to detect worsening conditions like increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) or cerebral edema. Monitoring the GCS every 2 hours ensures timely intervention if the client’s condition changes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB). CK-MB is a cardiac enzyme that rises 3-6 hours after myocardial injury and was previously used to diagnose myocardial infarction (MI). However, it is less specific than troponin and can be elevated in skeletal muscle damage, making troponin the preferred biomarker for cardiac injury.
B. Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). SGPT (also known as alanine aminotransferase [ALT]) is a liver enzyme and is not a primary marker for cardiac injury. While cardiac arrest and hypoxia can lead to liver damage, monitoring cardiac-specific markers is the priority in this scenario.
C. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). LDH is a nonspecific marker of tissue damage that can be elevated in cardiac, hepatic, renal, or other organ injuries. It is not cardiac-specific and is no longer used as a primary diagnostic tool for MI.
D. Cardiac troponin. Troponin (T and I) is the most specific and sensitive biomarker for myocardial injury. The presence of ST elevation in multiple leads suggests acute myocardial infarction (MI) as the cause of cardiac arrest. Troponin levels begin to rise within 2-3 hours, peak at 12-24 hours, and remain elevated for 7-10 days, making them the most important laboratory value to monitor for ongoing cardiac damage.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Administer a PRN dose of benzodiazepine.
Benzodiazepines can cause respiratory depression and prolong delirium, especially in clients recovering from mechanical ventilation and sedation. The client’s confusion is likely transient post-extubation delirium, which often resolves with reorientation and safety measures rather than sedation.
B. Increase the oxygen concentration to 60%.
The client is maintaining an oxygen saturation of 98% on 40% FiO₂, indicating adequate oxygenation. Increasing the oxygen concentration to 60% is unnecessary and may increase the risk of oxygen toxicity.
C. Apply bilateral wrist restraints.
The client is confused and attempting to get out of bed, increasing the risk of falls and accidental self-injury. Restraints should be used as a last resort after ensuring non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., reorientation, sitter, bed alarms) are ineffective or unavailable. If applied, restraints must be monitored closely and removed as soon as possible.
D. Notify the rapid response team.
The client’s vital signs are stable, and oxygenation is adequate. Although confusion is concerning, it does not indicate an immediate life-threatening emergency requiring a rapid response team. Instead, the nurse should implement safety interventions and continue close monitoring.
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