Nokea
The critical care nurse is caring for a client with bacterial meningitis. The client has developed cerebral vasculitis and increased intracranial pressure (ICP). What neurologic sequelae might this client develop?
- A. Damage to the nerves that facilitate vision and hearing
- B. Damage to the vagal nerve
- C. Damage to the olfactory nerve
- D. Damage to the facial nerve
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Neurologic sequelae in survivors include damage to the cranial nerves that facilitate vision and hearing. Sequelae to meningitis do not include damage to the vagal nerve, the olfactory nerve, or the facial nerve.
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The nurse is caring for a client hospitalized with a severe exacerbation of myasthenia gravis. When administering medications to this client, what is a priority nursing action?
- A. Assess client's reaction to new medication schedule.
- B. Administer medications at exact intervals ordered.
- C. Document medication given and dose.
- D. Give client plenty of fluids with medications.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse must administer medications at the exact intervals ordered to maintain therapeutic blood levels and prevent symptoms from returning. Assessing the client's reaction, documenting medication and dose, and giving the client plenty of fluids are not the priority nursing action for this client.
The nurse is caring for a client who has a generalized seizure. Which nursing assessment is a priority for detailing the event?
- A. Seizure began at 1300 hours.
- B. The client cried out before the seizure began.
- C. Seizure was 1 minute in duration including tonic-clonic activity.
- D. Sleeping quietly after the seizure
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Describing the length and the progression of the seizure is a priority nursing responsibility. During this time, the client will experience respiratory spasms, and the skin will appear cyanotic, indicating a period of lack of tissue oxygenation. Noting when the seizure began and presence of an aura are also valuable pieces of information. Postictal behavior should be documented along with vital signs, oxygen saturation, and assessment of tongue and oral cavity.
The school nurse notes a 6-year-old running across the playground with friends. The child stops in midstride, freezing for a few seconds. Then the child resumes running across the playground. The school nurse suspects what in this child?
- A. An absence seizure
- B. A myoclonic seizure
- C. A partial seizure
- D. A tonic-clonic seizure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Absence seizures, formerly referred to as petit mal seizures, are more common in children. They are characterized by a brief loss of consciousness during which physical activity ceases. The person stares blankly; the eyelids flutter; the lips move; and slight movement of the head, arms, and legs occurs. These seizures typically last for a few seconds, and the person seldom falls to the ground. Because of their brief duration and relative lack of prominent movements, these seizures often go unnoticed. People with absence seizures can have them many times a day. Partial, or focal, seizures begin in a specific area of the cerebral cortex. Both myoclonic and tonic-clonic seizures involve jerking movements.
The nurse is caring for a client with an inoperable brain tumor. What is a major threat to this client?
- A. Increased intracranial pressure
- B. Decreased intracranial pressure
- C. Hypervolemia
- D. Hypovolemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nursing management depends on the area of the brain affected, tumor type, treatment approach, and the client's signs and symptoms. If the tumor is inoperable or has expanded despite treatment, increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a major threat. In this scenario, there are no indications that fluid volume either increasing or decreasing is an issue.
The nurse is caring for a client with Bell palsy. Which of the following teaching points is a priority in the management of symptoms for this client?
- A. Avoid stimuli that trigger pain.
- B. Use ophthalmic lubricant and protect the eye.
- C. Encourage semiannual dental exams.
- D. Complete the course of antibiotics as prescribed.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The VII cranial nerve supplies muscles to the face. In Bell palsy, the eye can be affected which results in incomplete closure and risk for injury. The eye can become dry and irritated unless eye moisturizing drops and ophthalmic ointment is applied. Avoiding stimuli that can trigger pain is specific to tic douloureux (cranial nerve V disorder). Encouraging dental exams is a part of care but not the priority. Antibiotics are not used in the treatment of Bell's palsy because it is thought to be caused by a virus.