Nokea
The client is in status epilepticus. Which interventions, if prescribed, should be included in this client's immediate treatment? Select all that apply.
- A. Administer dexamethasone intravenously.
- B. Give oxygen and prepare for endotracheal intubation.
- C. Obtain a defibrillator and prepare to use it immediately.
- D. Remove nearby objects to protect the client from injury.
- E. Administer lorazepam intravenously STAT.
Correct Answer: B,D,E
Rationale: Anticonvulsant medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin), and not anti-inflammatory medications such as dexamethasone (Decadron), are administered IV to control seizure activity. Status epilepticus is a medical emergency. The client is at risk for brain hypoxia and permanent brain damage. The client needs additional oxygen, and intubation will secure the airway. Defibrillation is treatment for ventricular fibrillation, a lethal heart dysrhythmia. Care is taken to protect the client from injury during the seizure. Either lorazepam (Ativan) or diazepam (Valium) is administered initially to terminate the seizure because they can be administered more rapidly than phenytoin.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse is caring for the client who, 6 weeks after an MVA, was diagnosed with a mild TBI. Which information in the client’s history of the injury should the nurse associate with the TBI? Select all that apply.
- A. The client has had no episodes of vomiting after the accident.
- B. The client remembers events before and right after the accident.
- C. The client has had headache and dizziness daily since the accident.
- D. The client has difficulty concentrating and focusing while at work.
- E. The client lost consciousness momentarily at the time of the injury.
Correct Answer: C,D,E
Rationale: The client with mild TBI usually experiences symptoms commonly associated with mild concussion, such as vomiting. The client with mild TBI usually experiences amnesia and is unable to recall events regarding the accident. Recurrent problems with headache and dizziness are the most prominent symptoms of mild TBI. Cognitive difficulties, including inability to concentrate and forgetfulness, occur with mild TBI. At the time of the accident, the person with mild TBI may experience a loss of consciousness for a few seconds or minutes.
Which response by the nurse would be best to prevent distress when the client repeatedly asks, 'Where is my mother?'
- A. Explain to the client, 'Your mother died several years ago.'
- B. Tell the client, 'Your mother will visit later.'
- C. State, 'You miss your mother. What was she like?'
- D. Ask the client, 'When did you last see your mother?'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Redirecting the conversation to memories of the mother validates the client's feelings without causing distress from confronting reality.
Which intervention should the nurse implement to decrease increased intracranial pressure (ICP) for a client on a ventilator? Select all that apply.
- A. Position the client with the head of the bed up 30 degrees.
- B. Cluster activities of care.
- C. Suction the client every three (3) hours.
- D. Administer soapsuds enemas until clear.
- E. Place the client in Trendelenburg position.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: HOB at 30 degrees (A) promotes venous drainage, reducing ICP. Clustering activities (B) increases ICP, suctioning every 3 hours (C) is excessive, enemas (D) are irrelevant, and Trendelenburg (E) worsens ICP.
The client diagnosed with a mild concussion is being discharged from the emergency department. Which discharge instruction should the nurse teach the client's significant other?
- A. Awaken the client every two (2) hours.
- B. Monitor for increased intracranial pressure (ICP).
- C. Observe frequently for hypervigilance.
- D. Offer the client food every three (3) to four (4) hours.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: For a mild concussion, monitoring for worsening neurological status is key. Awakening every 2 hours (A) allows assessment for altered consciousness. Monitoring ICP (B) is complex and not feasible at home, hypervigilance (C) is not typical, and frequent feeding (D) is unnecessary.
The client is diagnosed with expressive aphasia. Which psychosocial client problem would the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Potential for injury.
- B. Powerlessness.
- C. Disturbed thought processes.
- D. Sexual dysfunction.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Expressive aphasia impairs the ability to communicate, leading to frustration and feelings of powerlessness (B). Injury (A) is physical, disturbed thought processes (C) relate to cognition, and sexual dysfunction (D) is not directly linked to aphasia.