A nurse is caring for a client who has increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?
- A. Place several pillows behind the client's head
- B. Place the client in a Sim's position
- C. Keep the client's neck in a midline position
- D. Maintain flexion of the client's hips at a 90° angle
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Keeping the client's neck in a midline position is crucial for managing increased intracranial pressure. This position helps optimize blood flow and minimizes the risk of further increasing ICP. Placing several pillows behind the client's head (Choice A) may inadvertently elevate the head, potentially worsening ICP. Placing the client in a Sim's position (Choice B) or maintaining flexion of the client's hips at a 90° angle (Choice D) are not directly related to managing increased ICP.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse is teaching a client who has hypertension about dietary modifications to help control blood pressure. Which of the following food choices should the nurse recommend as the best choice for the client to include in their diet?
- A. 1 packet of reconstituted dry onion soup
- B. 3 oz of lean cured ham
- C. 3 oz of chicken breast
- D. ½ cup of canned baked beans
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For a client with hypertension, a low sodium diet is recommended to help control blood pressure. Among the food choices provided, the best option is 3 oz of chicken breast. Chicken breast is lean protein with lower sodium content compared to other choices. It is a healthier option for managing hypertension. Reconstituted dry onion soup (Choice A) and canned baked beans (Choice D) typically contain higher amounts of sodium, which can be detrimental for blood pressure management. Lean cured ham (Choice B) also tends to have a higher sodium content, making it less suitable for a client with hypertension.
A nurse is caring for a client who has dehydration. The client has a peripheral IV and a prescription for an infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride 1,000 mL with 40 mEq potassium chloride to infuse over 1 hr. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Teach the client to report findings of IV extravasation
- B. Evaluate the patency of the IV
- C. Consult with the pharmacist about the prescription
- D. Verify the prescription with the provider
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse's priority action should be to verify the prescription with the provider. This is crucial to prevent injury from fluid volume overload and rapid potassium infusion. Verifying the prescription ensures that the correct solution, rate, and additives are ordered according to the client's condition. While evaluating the patency of the IV is important, verifying the prescription takes precedence to ensure patient safety. Consulting with the pharmacist can be beneficial, but confirming the prescription with the provider is the immediate priority. Teaching the client about IV extravasation is important but is not the first action the nurse should take in this scenario.
A nurse is assessing a client who has a permanent spinal cord injury and is scheduled for discharge. Which of the following client statements indicates that the client is coping effectively?
- A. I would like to play wheelchair basketball. When I get stronger, I think I'll look for a league.
- B. I'm glad I'll only be in this wheelchair temporarily. I can't wait to get back to running.
- C. I'm so upset that this happened to me. What did I do to deserve this?
- D. I feel like I'll never be able to do anything that I want to again. All I am is a burden to my family.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer because it shows that the client has accepted their disability and is looking towards the future with realistic goals. This positive attitude and focus on engaging in activities that are achievable despite the disability indicate effective coping mechanisms. Choice B is incorrect as it reflects denial of the permanent nature of the disability. Choice C is incorrect as it shows feelings of anger and possible self-blame, which are not indicative of effective coping. Choice D is incorrect as it demonstrates a sense of hopelessness and self-perceived burden, which are signs of maladaptive coping.
A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who will be placed in halo traction following surgical repair of the cervical spine. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
- A. Inspect the pin site every 4 hours
- B. Monitor the client's skin under the halo vest
- C. Ensure two personnel hold the halo device when repositioning the client
- D. Apply powder to the client's skin under the vest to decrease itching
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's skin under the halo vest. This is important to assess for signs of skin issues such as excessive sweating, redness, or blistering, which can lead to skin breakdown and infection. Choice A is incorrect because while inspecting the pin site is important, it should be done more frequently than every 4 hours. Choice C is incorrect as the halo device should be supported by the client's body weight, not personnel, when repositioning. Choice D is incorrect because applying powder frequently can increase the risk of skin irritation and infection.
A client is to undergo a liver biopsy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client following the procedure?
- A. Lie on your left side.
- B. Lie on your right side.
- C. Increase your fluid intake.
- D. Decrease your fluid intake.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After a liver biopsy, the nurse should instruct the client to lie on the right side. This position helps apply pressure to the biopsy site, promoting hemostasis and reducing the risk of bleeding. Lying on the left side may not provide adequate pressure to the site. Increasing fluid intake is generally beneficial to prevent dehydration and aid in the recovery process, whereas decreasing fluid intake could lead to dehydration and possible complications. Therefore, the correct instruction is to lie on the right side.