The practical nurse (PN) is monitoring the neurological vital signs of a client with a recently closed head injury. Which vital sign trends indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and should be reported to the charge nurse?
Heart rate above 110 beats/minute, elevated respiratory rate, and hypotension.
Bounding pulse rate, groaning respiratory effort, and elevated blood pressure.
Thready rapid pulse, trembling, perspiration, weakness, and irritability.
Bradycardia, irregular respiratory patterns, widening pulse pressure.
The Correct Answer is D
The vital sign trends that indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and should be reported to the charge nurse are:
Bradycardia: A slow heart rate can be a sign of increased ICP.
Irregular respiratory patterns: Abnormal breathing patterns, such as irregular or Cheyne-Stokes respirations, can be indicative of increased ICP.
Widening pulse pressure: An increased difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure (widening pulse pressure) can be a sign of increased ICP.
A- Heart rate above 110 beats/minute, elevated respiratory rate, and hypotension: While an elevated heart rate and respiratory rate can be associated with increased ICP, hypotension (low blood pressure) is not typically seen in this condition. Hypotension can be a sign of other factors, such as hypovolemia or shock, which may or may not be related to the head injury.
B- Bounding pulse rate, groaning respiratory effort, and elevated blood pressure: Bounding pulse rate and elevated blood pressure are not specific to increased ICP. They can be influenced by other factors such as pain, anxiety, or medications. Groaning respiratory effort may indicate respiratory distress, but it is not directly related to increased ICP.
C- Thready rapid pulse, trembling, perspiration, weakness, and irritability: These signs and symptoms can be associated with various conditions such as anxiety, stress, or other physiological responses. While they may occur in the context of increased ICP, they are not specific to this condition alone.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Administering the medication and alerting the charge nurse is not necessary in this scenario. The heart rate of 120 beats/minute is within the normal range for a 2-month-old infant, which is typically between 80 to 160 beats per minute. Therefore, there is no immediate concern that would require alerting the charge nurse.
Choice B reason:
Holding the medication and documenting the cardiac assessment would be appropriate if the heart rate were outside the normal range or if there were other signs of digoxin toxicity or adverse effects. Since the heart rate is within the normal range, this action is not warranted.
Choice C reason:
Administering the medication and documenting the heart rate is the correct action. The heart rate of 120 beats/minute falls within the normal range for a 2-month-old infant¹². Digoxin is prescribed to manage certain heart conditions, and as long as the heart rate is within the normal range and there are no signs of toxicity, the medication should be given as prescribed.
Choice D reason:
Holding the medication and rechecking the heart rate in 1 hour would be considered if the heart rate were borderline or if there were concerns about the stability of the infant's condition. Since the heart rate is stable and within the normal range, this action is unnecessary.
Correct Answer is ["C","E","F"]
Explanation
C.Place pillows around the bed rails to provide padding: During a tonic-clonic seizure, the client may experience uncontrolled movements and convulsions. Placing pillows around the bed rails helps prevent injury by providing padding and cushioning.
E.Increase the supplemental oxygen to 10 L/min via nasal cannula: The client's oxygen saturation is dangerously low at 40%. Increasing the supplemental oxygen to 10 L/min via nasal cannula will help improve oxygenation and prevent hypoxia.
F.Manually ventilate the client with a bag-valve-mask: Since the respiratory rate is only 4 breaths/min, the client is not adequately ventilating on their own. Manual ventilation with a bag-valve maskwill provide necessary oxygenation and ventilation support during the seizure.
The other options are not appropriate actions at this time:
- Begin chest compressions: Chest compressions are indicated if the client's heart has stopped or if they are in cardiac arrest. Since the scenario describes a seizure, the client's heart is presumed to be functioning.
- Watch the seizure activity and document the time and client movement: Although documentation is important, during an active seizure, the priority is to ensure the client's safety and provide immediate interventions. Documentation can be done after the seizure has ended.
- Stop the IV fluids: There is no indication to stop the IV fluids based on the given information. IV fluids are generally continued unless there is a specific reason to discontinue them.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today