A 23-year-old man is admitted with a subdural hematoma and cerebral edema after a motorcycle accident.
- A. Which symptom should the nurse expect initially in a client with a subdural hematoma and cerebral edema?
- B. Unequal and dilated pupils.
- C. Decerebrate posturing.
- D. Grand mal seizures.
- E. Decreased level of consciousness.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A decreased level of consciousness (e.g., confusion, stupor) is the initial symptom of increased intracranial pressure from a subdural hematoma, reflecting cerebral compression. Unequal pupils, posturing, and seizures are later signs of severe brain damage.
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A newborn weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces at birth. The nurse assesses the newborn at home 2 days later and finds the weight to be 6 pounds 7 ounces. What should the nurse tell the parents about this weight loss?
- A. The newborn needs additional assessments
- B. The mother should breast feed more often
- C. A change to formula is indicated
- D. The loss is within normal limits
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The loss is within normal limits. A newborn is expected to lose 5-10% of the birth weight in the first few days post-partum because of changes in elimination and feeding.
The nurse is providing home care to a confused older adult. The family members have tied the client in a chair with a large leather belt. They say the client wanders if he isn't restrained. What initial nursing action is most appropriate?
- A. Report the family to family protective services.
- B. Congratulate the family on solving the problem.
- C. Help the family think of ways to make the environment safer for the client.
- D. Tell the family that they are not allowed to restrain the client with a leather belt.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Helping the family create a safer environment addresses wandering non-restrictively, promoting safety and autonomy. Reporting, praising, or prohibiting are less constructive.
The nurse discusses symptoms of the onset of labor with a 26-year-old primipara. Which of the following statements, if made by the client to the nurse, indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will note an increase in fetal movement.
- B. I may feel a gush of fluid run down my legs.
- C. I may see some blood in my vaginal discharge.
- D. I may experience a low backache.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fetal movement decreases at labor onset due to limited space; expecting an increase indicates misunderstanding. Options B, C, and D are correct labor signs.
The father of a one-day-old son works the evening shift (3 PM to 11 PM) at another hospital. Which of the following plans would be a priority to meet the needs of this father?
- A. Encourage the father to call his wife after work.
- B. Instruct the father about visiting policy and suggest AM visitation.
- C. Adjust visiting hours to meet the new parents' needs.
- D. Present a change of visiting hours to the appropriate hospital committee.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Adjusting visiting hours accommodates the father’s evening shift, enabling bonding with his newborn, a priority for family-centered care. Options A and B are less flexible, and option D is a long-term solution, not immediate.
The nurse is teaching a client with a new diagnosis of migraine headaches about sumatriptan (Imitrex). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take the medication daily to prevent migraines.
- B. Report any chest pain.
- C. Stop the medication if headaches decrease.
- D. Avoid regular neurological exams.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chest pain may indicate vasoconstriction, a serious sumatriptan side effect. Options A, C, and D are incorrect.
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