While the nurse is transporting a patient on a stretcher to the radiology department, the patient begins having a tonic-clonic seizure. Which action should the nurse take?
Restrain the patient's arms and legs to prevent injury during the seizure.
Time and observe and record the details of the seizure and postictal state.
Insert an oral airway during the seizure to maintain a patent airway.
Avoid touching the patient to prevent further nervous system stimulation.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Restrain the patient's arms and legs to prevent injury during the seizure: Restraint during a seizure can potentially cause harm to the patient and should be avoided. It is essential to ensure the patient's safety by protecting the head and providing a safe environment.
B. Time and observe and record the details of the seizure and postictal state: Timing the seizure, observing the type and duration of movements, and noting any changes in the patient's behavior during the postictal state are crucial for documenting the seizure accurately and guiding further management.
C. Insert an oral airway during the seizure to maintain a patent airway: Inserting an oral airway during an active seizure is not recommended and can increase the risk of injury to the patient's airway. Maintaining a clear airway is important, but interventions such as positioning and
suctioning may be sufficient without the need for airway adjuncts during the seizure.
D. Avoid touching the patient to prevent further nervous system stimulation: While it's essential to minimize stimulation during a seizure, avoiding touching the patient altogether may not be feasible or necessary for providing care. Ensuring a safe environment and providing appropriate support are priorities during a seizure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
The client is most likely experiencing meningitis based on the following clinical manifestations:
- Symptoms: The client presents with a 2-day history of lethargy, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, headache, general muscle aches, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sore throat, sensitivity to light, and intermittent nystagmus. These symptoms are consistent with the classic signs of meningitis, including headache, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and altered mental status.
- Physical Examination Findings: The physical examination reveals a fever (temperature of 38.9°C or 102°F), elevated heart rate (118/min), and signs of meningeal irritation such as neck stiffness (not directly mentioned but implied by headache and sensitivity to light). Additionally, a pinpoint, red, macular rash on the upper chest may indicate petechiae, which can be seen in meningococcal meningitis.
Given the suspicion of meningitis, the nurse should take the following actions:
- Implement seizure precautions: Meningitis can lead to increased intracranial pressure and neurological complications, including seizures. Implementing seizure precautions involves ensuring the client's safety by padding the side rails of the bed, keeping the bed in a low position, and providing close observation.
- Dim the lights in the client’s room: The client reports sensitivity to light, which is a common symptom of meningitis due to meningeal irritation. Dimming the lights can help reduce discomfort and photophobia in the client.
Parameters to Monitor:
-
Neurologic status: Monitoring the client's neurologic status is crucial for assessing the progression of meningitis and detecting any neurological deterioration, such as changes in level of consciousness, motor deficits, or signs of increased intracranial pressure.
- Temperature: Monitoring the client's temperature is essential to assess for fever spikes or trends, which can indicate the severity of the infection and response to treatment.
Persistent or worsening fever may suggest inadequate treatment or complications such as abscess formation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Oriented to person, place, and year: Meningitis often causes alterations in mental status, including confusion and disorientation. Therefore, the client may not be fully oriented to person, place, and time.
B. Severe headache: Headache is a hallmark symptom of meningitis and is often described as severe and persistent. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as photophobia (sensitivity to light) and phonophobia (sensitivity to sound).
C. Bradycardia: Bradycardia is not typically associated with meningitis. In fact, tachycardia (elevated heart rate) may be present due to fever and systemic inflammation.
D. Blurred vision: While meningitis can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which may manifest as papilledema (swelling of the optic disc), blurred vision is not a common presenting symptom of meningitis. Visual changes are more commonly associated with conditions affecting the optic nerve or retina.
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