ATI Clinical Exam Related

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A nurse is educating a group of nursing students about brain herniation. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include as a potential treatment for brain herniation? Which intervention is a potential treatment for brain herniation?

  • A. Hyperventilate the patient.
  • B. Decrease sedation.
  • C. Reduce the temperature in the room.
  • D. Lower blood pressure.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperventilate the patient. Hyperventilation helps to decrease the PaCO2 levels, leading to vasoconstriction and decreased cerebral blood flow, which can help reduce intracranial pressure associated with brain herniation. This intervention aims to improve cerebral perfusion and prevent further brain damage. Decreasing sedation (choice B) may be necessary to assess the patient's neurological status, but it does not directly address brain herniation. Reducing the room temperature (choice C) can help in managing fever, but it does not target brain herniation. Lowering blood pressure (choice D) may be necessary in some cases, but it is not a primary treatment for brain herniation.