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 A
Explanation
Collecting fingerstick glucose levels is the most important intervention for the PN to implement for a client who is receiving TPN. TPN is a method of feeding that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and provides all the nutritional needs of the body through a vein. TPN contains a high concentration of glucose, which can cause hyperglycemia or fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the client's glucose levels frequently and adjust the infusion rate or insulin administration accordingly.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
In this scenario, the dentist is increasing the amount of dairy products in her diet with the aim of reducing the risk of gingivitis due to her family history of cancer. However, the practical nurse (PN) should respond by suggesting that an increase in fruits and vegetables would be more beneficial.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help support overall oral health and reduce the risk of gingivitis. They provide a wide range of nutrients that are important for maintaining healthy gums and teeth.
While dairy products can contribute to overall dental health due to their calcium content, they should not be solely relied upon as the primary means of preventing gingivitis or reducing the risk of cancer. A well- rounded and balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, is essential for optimal oral health.
Options b, c, and d are not directly related to the dentist's concern about gingivitis and the increased consumption of dairy products. Encouraging exercise (option b) is generally beneficial for overall health, but it does not specifically address gingivitis. Reminding the client to ensure dairy products are fortified with vitamin D (option c) is not necessary in this context, as the focus is on preventing gingivitis rather than addressing vitamin D deficiency. Providing written information about the warning signs of cancer (option d) is not directly relevant to the dentist's current situation and concern about gingivitis.
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