A client who has a recent closed head injury reports a severe headache and is restless. Which of the following is an appropriate nursing intervention?
- A. Place a cool cloth on the forehead.
- B. Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees.
- C. Administer morphine 2 mg IV.
- D. Prepare for a lumbar puncture.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevating the HOB decreases intracranial pressure which may be causing the headache.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse is caring for a client who has a pulmonary embolism and has been on a heparin continuous infusion for 5 days. The provider prescribes warfarin PO without discontinuing the heparin. The client asks the nurse why both anticoagulants are necessary. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
- A. Both heparin and warfarin work together to dissolve the clots.
- B. Warfarin takes several days to work, so the IV heparin will be used until the warfarin reaches a therapeutic level.
- C. The IV heparin increases the effects of the warfarin and decreases the length of your hospital stay.
- D. I will call the provider to get a prescription for discontinuing the IV heparin today.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Overlap therapy is needed because warfarin has delayed onset (3-5 days) while heparin provides immediate anticoagulation.
A nurse is caring for a client during his first hemodialysis treatment. The client reports a headache, nausea, and is agitated. Which of the following complications should the nurse identify these findings as manifestations of?
- A. Disequilibrium syndrome
- B. Septicemia
- C. Air embolism
- D. Peritonitis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: These are classic symptoms of disequilibrium syndrome from rapid fluid/electrolyte shifts during initial dialysis.
A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis of the liver. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate may be ordered for this client? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Beta-blocking agent
- B. Diuretic
- C. Opioid analgesic
- D. Lactulose
- E. Sedative
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: Beta-blockers reduce portal pressure, diuretics manage ascites, and lactulose treats hepatic encephalopathy.
A nurse is assessing a client who has a pneumothorax with a chest tube in place. For which of the following findings should the nurse notify the provider immediately?
- A. Bubbling of the water in the water seal chamber with exhalation
- B. Crepitus in the area above and surrounding the insertion site
- C. Movement of the trachea toward the unaffected side
- D. Eyelets are not visible
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Crepitus indicates subcutaneous emphysema, which requires immediate attention as it suggests air leaking into tissues.
A nurse admits a client to the emergency department who reports nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain that worsens when lying down. The provider suspects acute pancreatitis. Which of the following laboratory test results should the nurse expect to see?
- A. Increased serum amylase
- B. Decreased WBC count
- C. Increased serum calcium
- D. Decreased serum lipase
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Serum amylase rises quickly in acute pancreatitis due to pancreatic inflammation.
Nokea