When providing care for a comatose patient, how should a nurse evaluate motor responses?
By using the Romberg test
By assessing the patient’s sensitivity to temperature and touch
By observing the patient’s response to painful stimuli
By observing the reaction of pupils to light
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C rationale
When providing care for a comatose patient, a nurse should evaluate motor responses by observing the patient’s response to painful stimuli. This can be done by applying a painful stimulus, such as a trapezius pinch or nailbed pressure, and observing the patient’s motor response. Purposeful or semi-purposeful movements, such as localizing or withdrawing from pain, can provide valuable information about the patient’s level of consciousness and neurological function.
Choice A rationale
The Romberg test is used to evaluate balance and is not typically used to evaluate motor responses in a comatose patient.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the patient’s sensitivity to temperature and touch can provide information about sensory function, but it does not directly evaluate motor responses.
Choice D rationale
Observing the reaction of pupils to light can provide information about cranial nerve function, but it does not directly evaluate motor responses.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
It is a common misconception that something should be placed in the mouth of someone having a seizure to prevent them from biting their tongue. However, this can cause more harm than good, including injury to the person’s mouth or the rescuer’s fingers.
Choice B rationale
Moving furniture away from the person having a seizure can help prevent injury. During a seizure, a person may move uncontrollably, and removing nearby objects can reduce the risk of harm.
Choice C rationale
Loosening constrictive clothing can help the person breathe more easily during and after a seizure.
Choice D rationale
Providing privacy can help maintain the person’s dignity and reduce embarrassment after a seizure.
Choice E rationale
It is not recommended to restrain a person during a seizure. This can result in injury. Instead, the goal is to keep the person safe until the seizure stops on its own.
Choice F rationale
Positioning the person on their side with their head flexed forward can help prevent aspiration, which can occur if the person vomits during or after a seizure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than 7.35), a high PaCO2 (greater than 45 mm Hg), and a normal or high HCO3 (22-26 mEq/L). It occurs when there is a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood due to impaired ventilation.
The patient's ABGs do not align with respiratory acidosis because the pH is elevated (7.6), and the PaCO2 is within the normal range (40 mm Hg).
Choice B rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (greater than 7.45), a low PaCO2 (less than 35 mm Hg), and a normal or low HCO3 (22-26 mEq/L). It occurs when there is excessive loss of carbon dioxide through hyperventilation.
The patient's ABGs do not align with respiratory alkalosis because the HCO3 is elevated (32 mEq/L), which is not typical for this condition.
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than 7.35), a normal or low PaCO2 (less than 40 mm Hg), and a low HCO3 (less than 22 mEq/L). It occurs when there is an excess of acid in the body or a loss of bicarbonate.
The patient's ABGs do not align with metabolic acidosis because the pH is elevated (7.6), and the HCO3 is elevated (32 mEq/L).
Choice D rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (greater than 7.45), a normal or high PaCO2 (40-45 mm Hg), and an elevated HCO3 (greater than 26 mEq/L). It occurs when there is an excess of bicarbonate in the body or a loss of acid.
The patient's ABGs align with metabolic alkalosis because of the high pH (7.6), normal PaCO2 (40 mm Hg), and elevated HCO3 (32 mEq/L).
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.