Nokea
The client underwent a lumbar laminectomy with spinal fusion 12 hours earlier. Which nursing assessment finding indicates that the client has a leakage of CSF?
- A. Backache not relieved by narcotic analgesics
- B. 50 mL of serosanguineous fluid in the bulb drain
- C. Clear fluid drainage noted on the surgical dressing
- D. Sudden spike in temperature to 101.3°F (38.5°C)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Unrelieved back pain may be associated with another complication, not CSF leakage. A severe headache, rather than back pain, may be associated with CSF leakage. 50 mL of serosanguineous fluid in the bulb drain is a normal finding. Clear drainage on the surgical dressing is indicative of a CSF leak. The temperature elevation could indicate an infection.
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Which discharge instruction is most appropriate following the positron emission tomography scan?
- A. Take a mild sedative tonight.
- B. Increase your fluid intake.
- C. Avoid excessive sitting.
- D. Report signs of a fever.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increasing fluid intake helps flush the radioactive tracer used in the PET scan from the body.
The client, diagnosed with an ischemic stroke, is being evaluated for thrombolytic therapy. Which assessment finding should prompt the nurse to withhold thrombolytic therapy?
- A. Brain CT scan results show no bleeding.
- B. Had a serious head injury four weeks ago.
- C. Has a history of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- D. Neurological deficits started 2 hours ago.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A negative CT scan is a criterion for administering the thrombolytic therapy. Contraindications to thrombolytic therapy for the client with an ischemic stroke include a serious head injury within the previous 3 months. This would put the client at risk of developing serious bleeding problems, specifically cerebral hemorrhage. History of type 1 DM is not a contraindication for thrombolytic therapy. The onset of neurological deficits within 3 hours is a criterion for administering thrombolytic therapy.
The client diagnosed with a brain tumor was admitted to the intensive care unit with decorticate posturing. Which indicates that the client’s condition is becoming worse?
- A. The client has purposeful movement with painful stimuli.
- B. The client has assumed adduction of the upper extremities.
- C. The client is aimlessly thrashing in the bed.
- D. The client has become flaccid and does not respond to stimuli.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Flaccid paralysis and unresponsiveness (D) indicate severe brain dysfunction or progression to brain death, worse than decorticate posturing. Purposeful movement (A) or thrashing (C) suggest improvement, and adduction (B) is not a standard indicator.
The male client diagnosed with a brain tumor is scheduled for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan in the morning. The client tells the nurse that he is scared. Which response by the nurse indicates an appropriate therapeutic response?
- A. MRIs are loud but there will not be any invasive procedure done.'
- B. You’re scared. Tell me about what is scaring you.'
- C. This is the least thing to be scared about—there will be worse.'
- D. I can call the MRI tech to come and talk to you about the scan.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reflecting the client’s fear (B) encourages expression of concerns, fostering therapeutic communication. Other options provide information (A, D) or minimize feelings (C).
The nurse caring for a client diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease writes a problem of 'impaired nutrition.' Which nursing intervention would be included in the plan of care?
- A. Consult the occupational therapist for adaptive appliances for eating.
- B. Request a low-fat, low-sodium diet from the dietary department.
- C. Provide three (3) meals per day that include nuts and whole-grain breads.
- D. Offer six (6) meals per day with a soft consistency.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: PD can impair fine motor skills, making eating difficult. Consulting an occupational therapist (A) for adaptive appliances supports nutritional intake. Low-fat diets (B) are not specific, nuts/breads (C) may be hard to chew, and six soft meals (D) may not address motor issues.