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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Regular insulin is the medication of choice for treating DKA. Its main action is to lower blood glucose levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells and inhibiting the production of glucose by the liver. Therefore, checking the fingerstick blood glucose level is an important indicator of the effectiveness of the insulin treatment.
A decrease in the blood glucose level indicates that the insulin is working to lower the high blood sugar associated with DKA. This measurement helps the PN assess the response to treatment and adjust the insulin dosage if necessary.
The other actions mentioned are also important assessments in the care of a client with DKA, but they do not specifically evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage:
A. Smelling the client's breath for resolution of a fruity odor is important as it indicates a decrease in ketone production, which is a marker of improving DKA. However, it does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage.
B. Determining the client's orientation to time and space is part of assessing their neurological status, which is crucial in managing DKA. However, it does not specifically assess the effectiveness of the insulin dosage.
C. Measuring the client's urinary output for an increased volume is important to monitor hydration status and renal function, but it does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The action the practical nurse (PN) should take in this situation is to administer a prescribed PRN (as needed) dose of analgesic.
Severe burning pain along the right side of the trunk is a common symptom of herpes zoster (shingles). Managing the client's pain is an important aspect of care to provide comfort and promote healing. Administering a prescribed PRN dose of analgesic will help alleviate the client's pain and improve their overall well-being. It is crucial to follow the client's prescribed medication regimen and provide pain relief as needed.
The other options are not the most appropriate actions in this situation:
B. Notifying the nursing supervisor of uncontrolled pain may be necessary if the client's pain persists despite appropriate interventions. However, the first step should be to administer an analgesic to address the immediate pain.
C. Giving the next prescribed dose of antiviral medication is important in the treatment of herpes zoster, but it does not directly address the client's current severe burning pain. Analgesics are specifically designed to alleviate pain symptoms.
D. Obtaining an oxygen tank for home administration is not indicated for the management of pain associated with herpes zoster. Oxygen therapy is typically used for respiratory or circulatory conditions and would not be the appropriate intervention for the client's symptom of severe burning pain.
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