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Headache: While headaches can occur with increased ICP or CSF drainage, they are not specific to ventriculostomy-related complications. Headaches are common and nonspecific and not considered a direct complication of the catheter itself.

Aphasia: Aphasia is a neurologic deficit related to brain injury, particularly in the dominant hemisphere, but it is not a complication of ventriculostomy. It reflects damage from the trauma itself, not the monitoring device.

Hypertension: Hypertension may occur as a compensatory response to increased ICP (as part of Cushing’s triad), but it is not a direct complication of the ventriculostomy catheter. It signals a systemic or neurologic response, not an issue with the catheter.Key

E2 + V3 + M5 = 10: This score would indicate eye opening only to pain (E2), inappropriate words (V3), and withdrawal from pain (M5). However, the client opens eyes to speech, not pain, and speaks in complete but confused sentences (not just inappropriate words), making this an inaccurate representation.

E4 + V5 + M6 = 15: This score indicates normal neurologic function—spontaneous eye opening, oriented verbal responses, and command-following motor responses. It reflects a client with no head injury, which does not match the described presentation.

E2 + V2 + M4 = 8: This score represents a severe head injury, including eye opening to pain only (E2), incomprehensible sounds (V2), and withdrawal to pain (M4). The client in this case is more responsive than this scoring suggests.

“Do not wash your hair the morning of the procedure.”: Clients should be instructed to wash their hair the night before or the morning of the test and avoid using conditioners, sprays, or gels. Clean, product-free hair improves electrode contact with the scalp.

“The procedure will take approximately 15 minutes.”: A standard EEG typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, not 1E. Additional time may be needed for preparation or if extended monitoring is ordered.

“You will need to lie flat for 4 hours after the procedure.”: EEG is a noninvasive and painless procedure that does not require any recovery time or post-procedure positioning. Clients can resume normal activities immediately unless sedatives were used.

Withholding stimulants 24 to 48 hours prior to exam: This is not necessary for most MRI procedures. It may apply to specialized tests like EEGs or cardiac stress testing but not standard MRIs.

Instructing the client to void prior to the MRI: While a full bladder may cause some discomfort, it is not dangerous and does not interfere with MRI function. Voiding is not the priority.

Initiating an IV line for administration of contrast: This may be required if the MRI is ordered with contrast, but not all MRIs require contrast. Even when needed, IV access is secondary to safety screening for metal.

Position the client prone: Although used in some cases, the prone position is not the standard recommendation for post-lumbar puncture care. It may provide pressure over the site but does not facilitate CSF pressure balance as effectively as lying supine.

Position the client left side-lying: This position is commonly used during the lumbar puncture for needle insertion but is not effective post-procedure for headache prevention.

Administer acetaminophen as ordered: Acetaminophen can relieve a headache after it occurs, but it does not prevent a post-lumbar puncture headache. Prevention is priority in the immediate post-procedural period.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): While MRI provides detailed structural imaging of the brain, it does not assess functional brain activity. It may show evidence of brain injury but is not used to confirm brain death.

Electromyelography (EMG): EMG is used to evaluate neuromuscular disorders and peripheral nerve function. It does not measure brain activity and is not relevant to brain death determination.

Computed tomography (CT): Like MRI, CT scans provide structural imaging, which may reveal brain swelling or herniation but do not assess cerebral activity. Therefore, CT is not diagnostic for brain death.Key Takeaways:• EEG is the preferred confirmatory test for brain death, detecting absence of cerebral activity.• Imaging studies like MRI and CT show brain structure but not function.
• Brain death diagnosis relies on both clinical criteria and electrophysiological confirmation when needed.

No metal objects can enter the procedure room: This applies more strictly to MRI scans, where magnetic fields can attract metal. CT scanners use X-rays, not magnets, so metal is not as strictly contraindicated—although clients may be asked to remove certain objects like jewelry to improve image quality.

You need to fast for 8 hours prior to the test: Fasting is only required for CT scans involving IV contrast, and even then, the duration is usually 2–4 hours, not H. If contrast is not used, fasting is not needed at all.

There will be a lot of noise during the test: CT scanners produce some sound but are much quieter than MRI machines. Excessive noise is not a concern for this type of imaging.

The test will temporarily limit blood flow through the brain: PET scans do not limit blood flow; instead, they assess blood flow and glucose metabolism. This statement is inaccurate and misleading.

An allergy to iodine precludes getting the radio-opaque dye: PET tracers are not iodine-based. Iodine allergy is relevant for contrast CT scans, but not a contraindication for PET scans.

The client will need to endure loud noises during the test: Unlike MRI, PET scans are quiet. There may be some mechanical sounds from the machine, but loud noises are not characteristic of PET imaging.Key Takeaways:• PET scans evaluate metabolic activity, not structure, using radioactive tracers.• Clients may feel lightheaded or dizzy due to tracer injection, but this is usually brief.
• PET scans are quiet, and iodine allergy is not relevant to this procedure.

MRI: MRI is a noninvasive imaging procedure that uses magnetic fields and does not involve puncturing the spinal canal or injecting contrast into the CSF unless performed with special contrast protocols.

Cerebral angiography: This procedure involves injection of contrast dye into cerebral arteries, typically via a femoral catheter, and does not involve accessing the spinal canal.

EEG: EEG is noninvasive and involves placement of electrodes on the scalp to monitor electrical activity in the brain. It does not use contrast dye or invasive techniques.

Potassium: Although mannitol can cause some renal electrolyte losses, potassium disturbances are less common and less urgent than sodium changes in the context of mannitol therapy.

Chloride: Chloride may be altered as it accompanies sodium loss or retention, but it is not typically the primary concern in mannitol administration.

Magnesium: Magnesium levels can be affected by diuretics, but neurologic implications of sodium imbalance take priority in clients with increased ICP.

Severe hypotension typically lowers cerebral perfusion pressure but does not increase ICP directly.

Myocardial infarction can have neurological complications (e.g., hypoxic injury) but does not usually raise ICP.

Eye surgery may cause localized swelling or pressure but is unlikely to result in elevated ICP unless there are specific complications

Vasopressors are not appropriate unless the patient is in shock. BP is low but not severely, and raising BP can worsen cerebral edema.

Oxygen is within normal range (95%), so additional oxygen is not necessary.

Suctioning can increase ICP transiently and should be used cautiously and only when airway clearance is needed.