When assessing the client with meningitis, the nurse looks for which manifestation as a frequent first sign of increased intracranial pressure?

A rising systolic blood pressure

Change in mood or attention level

Irregular respiratory rate and depth

A bounding radial pulse

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. A rising systolic blood pressure: While increased intracranial pressure can lead to changes in blood pressure, it is not typically the first sign observed. Changes in blood pressure may occur later in the progression of increased intracranial pressure.

B. Change in mood or attention level: Changes in mood, behavior, or level of consciousness are often early signs of increased intracranial pressure. These changes may include irritability, confusion, restlessness, or lethargy.

C. Irregular respiratory rate and depth: Respiratory changes such as irregular breathing patterns or Cheyne-Stokes respirations can occur with increased intracranial pressure, but they are not typically the first sign observed.

D. A bounding radial pulse: While changes in pulse rate or quality may occur with increased
intracranial pressure, a bounding radial pulse is not typically the first sign observed. It may occur later in the progression of increased intracranial pressure as compensation mechanisms fail.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Auscultate the bowel sounds: While gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea or
constipation can occur with phenytoin, auscultating bowel sounds is not a specific assessment related to its adverse effects.

B. Inspect the oral mucosa: Phenytoin is associated with gingival hyperplasia, a condition characterized by overgrowth of gum tissue. Therefore, inspecting the oral mucosa for signs of gum enlargement or other oral changes is important for evaluating adverse effects of phenytoin.

C. Check pupil reaction to light: Phenytoin does not typically affect pupil reaction to light. This assessment is more relevant for medications that act on the central nervous system or conditions affecting cranial nerve function.

D. Listen to the lung sounds: Phenytoin is not typically associated with respiratory side effects. Assessing lung sounds may be relevant in certain clinical situations, but it is not a specific assessment related to phenytoin adverse effects.

A. Apply an eye patch to the right eye. B. Teach the patient that the left visual deficit will resolve. C. Approach the patient from the right side. D. Place needed objects on the patient's left side.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Apply an eye patch to the right eye: Applying an eye patch to the right eye would further limit the patient's visual field, exacerbating the homonymous hemianopsia. This intervention is not appropriate for managing hemianopsia.

B. Teach the patient that the left visual deficit will resolve: Homonymous hemianopsia typically results from damage to the visual pathway in the brain and may not resolve completely. While visual rehabilitation techniques may help improve compensatory strategies, it is important to acknowledge and address the permanent nature of the deficit.

C. Approach the patient from the right side: Approaching the patient from the right side may startle them and increase the risk of falls or accidents due to the inability to perceive objects on their left side. The nurse should approach the patient from the unaffected side (the left side) to minimize the risk of injury.

D. Place needed objects on the patient's left side: Placing needed objects on the patient's left side helps compensate for the visual deficit by ensuring that essential items are within the patient's field of vision. This intervention promotes independence and safety for the patient with homonymous hemianopsia.

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When assessing the client with meningitis, the nurse looks for which manifestation as a frequent first sign of increased intracranial pressure?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient has been taking phenytoin (Dilantin) for 2 years. Which action should the nurse take when evaluating possible adverse effects of the medication?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient with new right- sided homonymous hemianopsia after a stroke?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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