Nokea
The client with a closed head injury has clear fluid draining from the nose. Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Notify the health-care provider immediately.
- B. Prepare to administer an antihistamine.
- C. Test the drainage for presence of glucose.
- D. Place a 2 x 2 gauze under the nose to collect drainage.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clear nasal drainage post-head injury may indicate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, confirmed by testing for glucose (C). This is the first step to guide further action. Notifying the provider (A) follows confirmation, antihistamines (B) are irrelevant, and gauze (D) is a secondary measure.
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The significant other of a client diagnosed with a brain tumor asks the nurse for help identifying resources. Which would be the most appropriate referral for the nurse to make?
- A. Social worker.
- B. Chaplain.
- C. Health-care provider.
- D. Occupational therapist.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A social worker (A) can connect the family with community resources, financial aid, and support services. Chaplains (B) address spiritual needs, providers (C) focus on medical care, and occupational therapists (D) address functional deficits.
A 78-year-old client is admitted to the emergency department (ED) with numbness and weakness of the left arm and slurred speech. Which nursing intervention is priority?
- A. Prepare to administer recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA).
- B. Discuss the precipitating factors that caused the symptoms.
- C. Schedule for a STAT computed tomography (CT) scan of the head.
- D. Notify the speech pathologist for an emergency consult.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For a suspected stroke, the priority is to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) before initiating treatment. A STAT CT scan of the head is critical to rule out hemorrhagic stroke, which contraindicates thrombolytic therapy like rt-PA. Administering rt-PA without imaging could be harmful, discussing precipitating factors is not urgent, and a speech pathology consult is secondary to diagnostic imaging.
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.
Which instruction should the nurse include for a client taking phenytoin (Dilantin)?
- A. Brush teeth gently to prevent gum hyperplasia.
- B. Avoid grapefruit juice.
- C. Take the medication with milk.
- D. Increase dietary sodium intake.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia; gentle brushing helps prevent gum complications.
The client has been newly diagnosed with epilepsy. Which discharge instructions should be taught to the client? Select all that apply.
- A. Keep a record of seizure activity.
- B. Take tub baths only; do not take showers.
- C. Avoid over-the-counter medications.
- D. Have anticonvulsant medication serum levels checked regularly.
- E. Do not drive alone; have someone in the car.
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: Recording seizures (A) helps track treatment efficacy, avoiding OTC medications (C) prevents interactions, regular serum levels (D) ensure therapeutic dosing, and not driving alone (E) ensures safety. Tub baths (B) pose a drowning risk and are not advised.