Nokea
A patient exhibiting an altered level of consciousness (LOC) due to blunt-force trauma to the head is admitted to the ED. The physician determines the patients injury is causing increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The nurse should gauge the patients LOC on the results of what diagnostic tool?
- A. Monro-Kellie hypothesis
- B. Glasgow Coma Scale
- C. Cranial nerve function
- D. Mental status examination
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Glasgow Coma Scale assesses LOC via eye, verbal, and motor responses, making it ideal for monitoring ICP-related changes. Other options are not specific to LOC assessment.
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A hospital patient has experienced a seizure. In the immediate recovery period, what action best protects the patients safety?
- A. Place the patient in a side-lying position.
- B. Pad the patients bed rails.
- C. Administer antianxiety medications as ordered.
- D. Reassure the patient and family members.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A side-lying position prevents aspiration of secretions post-seizure. Padding rails, antianxiety drugs, or reassurance are secondary to airway safety.
A patient with a documented history of seizure disorder experiences a generalized seizure. What nursing action is most appropriate?
- A. Restrain the patient to prevent injury.
- B. Open the patients jaws to insert an oral airway.
- C. Place patient in high Fowlers position.
- D. Loosen the patients restrictive clothing
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Loosening restrictive clothing prevents injury during a seizure. Restraining or inserting an airway can cause harm, and high Fowlers is inappropriate during a seizure.
A patient has developed diabetes insipidus after having increased ICP following head trauma. What nursing assessment best addresses this complication?
- A. Vigilant monitoring of fluid balance
- B. Continuous BP monitoring
- C. Serial arterial blood gases (ABGs)
- D. Monitoring of the patients airway for patency
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diabetes insipidus causes extreme polyuria, requiring close fluid balance monitoring. BP, ABGs, and airway monitoring are less directly related.
An adult patient has sought care for the treatment of headaches that have become increasingly severe and frequent over the past several months. Which of the following questions addresses potential etiological factors? Select all that apply.
- A. Are you exposed to any toxins or chemicals at work?
- B. How would you describe your ability to cope with stress?
- C. What medications are you currently taking?
- D. When was the last time you were hospitalized?
- E. Does anyone else in your family struggle with headaches?
Correct Answer: A,B,C, E
Rationale: Headaches are multifactorial; toxins, stress, medications, and family history contribute. Hospitalization is not a direct etiological factor.
While completing a health history on a patient who has recently experienced a seizure, the nurse would assess for what characteristic associated with the postictal state?
- A. Epileptic cry
- B. Confusion
- C. Urinary incontinence
- D. Body rigidity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Confusion is typical in the postictal state after a seizure. Epileptic cry, incontinence, and rigidity occur during the seizure, not afterward.