When considering the pharmacologic management of a patient who has sustained a traumatic head injury, the nurse can anticipate a prescription for which of the following medications to manage increases in intracranial pressure (ICP)?
Nitroprusside
Furosemide
3% Normal Saline
Norepinephrine
The Correct Answer is C
A. Nitroprusside is a vasodilator and is not used for managing ICP; it can increase intracranial pressure if not carefully monitored.
B. Furosemide is a diuretic but is less effective for ICP reduction compared to hypertonic saline or mannitol.
C. Hypertonic saline (3% Normal Saline) is used to reduce intracranial pressure by drawing fluid out of the brain tissue and into the bloodstream, which can help prevent cerebral edema.
D. Norepinephrine is a vasopressor and is not used specifically to manage intracranial pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The low blood pressure (90/64) may indicate hypovolemia or shock but is not specific for ICP concerns.
B. This set of vital signs is concerning due to the extremely high blood pressure (220/46) combined with a very low heart rate (30) and low respiratory rate (6), which can indicate an autonomic response to increased ICP, potentially leading to Cushing's triad (hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations).
C. Although the blood pressure is high (200/94), the heart rate is normal and the respiratory rate is stable, making this less alarming compared to option B.
D. The elevated temperature and abnormal heart rate (132) indicate potential fever and tachycardia, but the blood pressure (82/50) is low and does not directly indicate increased ICP.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Posterior cord injury usually affects proprioception rather than causing a distinctive pattern of motor and sensory loss.
B. Anterior cord injury generally impacts motor function and temperature and pain sensation bilaterally, not in a hemisection pattern.
C. Central cord injury primarily affects motor function in the upper extremities and is not characterized by ipsilateral motor and contralateral sensory loss.
D. Brown-Sequard syndrome typically presents with motor function loss on the same (ipsilateral) side of the injury and loss of pain and temperature sensation on the opposite (contralateral) side, making this the most likely diagnosis.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
