The nurse is preparing to administer 1600 mL of total parental nutrition (TPN) over 24 hours.

The nurse should set the IV pump to deliver how many mL/hr?

Choice A rationale

Basilar skull fractures can lead to cerebral injuries and CSF leaks, but do not typically cause anoxic brain injury unless they compromise oxygenation or cause cerebral edema severely reducing blood flow.

Choice B rationale

Prolonged submersion compromises oxygen delivery, leading to diffuse cerebral hypoxia or anoxia, the primary cause of brain injury in drowning victims due to interruption of arterial oxygenation over unknown durations.

Choice C rationale

Epidural or subdural hematomas elevate intracranial pressure and compress brain tissue, but they are not as immediately hypoxic as situations involving complete oxygen deprivation like submersion.

Choice D rationale

Prolonged seizures, or status epilepticus, may disrupt normal metabolic processes, potentially causing neuronal injury. However, primary hypoxia is generally less pronounced than in submersion cases.

Choice A rationale

Ventriculostomies are inserted directly through the skull into the ventricles, not via the femoral artery. This method provides direct access to cerebrospinal fluid for drainage and pressure monitoring.

Choice B rationale

Ventriculostomies are placed to monitor intracranial pressure and drain excess cerebrospinal fluid, managing conditions like hydrocephalus or elevated intracranial pressure following brain injury or surgery.

Choice C rationale

An EEG monitors electrical brain activity but is unrelated to ventriculostomy placement. Ventriculostomy focuses on fluid drainage and pressure management, not on electrical diagnostic procedures.

Choice D rationale

Ventriculostomies carry a significant risk of infection due to the invasive nature of the procedure. Proper aseptic technique is critical to minimizing, not eliminating, the risk of infection.