Nokea
The intensive care nurse is caring for a client with a T1 SCI. When the nurse elevates the head of the bed 30 degrees, the client complains of light-headedness and dizziness. The client's vital signs are T 99.2°F, P 98, R 24, and BP 84/40. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Notify the health-care provider as soon as possible (ASAP).
- B. Calm the client down by talking therapeutically.
- C. Increase the IV rate by 50 mL/hour.
- D. Lower the head of the bed immediately.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Light-headedness and low BP (84/40) in T1 SCI suggest orthostatic hypotension or neurogenic shock. Lowering the HOB (D) restores cerebral perfusion. Notifying the provider (A) or increasing IV rate (C) follows, and talking therapeutically (B) does not address the urgent issue.
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The client is being admitted to rule out a brain tumor. Which classic triad of symptoms supports a diagnosis of brain tumor?
- A. Nervousness, metastasis to the lungs, and seizures.
- B. Headache, vomiting, and papilledema.
- C. Hypotension, tachycardia, and tachypnea.
- D. Abrupt loss of motor function, diarrhea, and changes in taste.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The classic triad for brain tumors is headache, vomiting, and papilledema (B), due to increased ICP. Other options include unrelated or less specific symptoms.
Which signs and symptoms will the nurse detect with this disorder? Select all that apply.
- A. Speech by the client to consume a high-fiber diet
- B. Rapid heart rate
- C. Pounding headache
- D. Pale skin
- E. Blurred vision
- F. Nasal stuffiness
Correct Answer: C,E,F
Rationale: Autonomic dysreflexia presents with a pounding headache, blurred vision, and nasal stuffiness due to unopposed sympathetic activity.
Spinal precautions are ordered for the client who sustained a neck injury during an MVA. The client has yet to be cleared that there is no cervical fracture. Which action is the nurse’s priority when receiving the client in the ED?
- A. Assessing the client using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
- B. Assessing the level of sensation in the client’s extremities
- C. Checking that the cervical collar was correctly placed by EMS
- D. Applying antiembolism hose to the client’s lower extremities
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should determine the neurological status using the GCS, but this is not the priority. The nurse should assess sensation status at intervals to determine neurological injury progression, but this is not the priority. Maintaining the correct placement of the cervical collar will keep the client’s head and neck in a neutral position and prevent further injury if a spinal fracture or SCI is present. Because ensuring that the cervical collar is correctly placed will prevent further injury, it is priority. Applying antiembolism hose is an intervention to prevent thromboembolic complications, but this is not the priority.
The male client is admitted to the emergency department following a motorcycle accident. The client was not wearing a helmet and struck his head on the pavement. The nurse identifies the concept as impaired intracranial regulation. Which interventions should the emergency department nurse implement in the first five (5) minutes? Select all that apply.
- A. Stabilize the client’s neck and spine.
- B. Contact the organ procurement organization to speak with the family.
- C. Elevate the head of the bed to 70 degrees.
- D. Perform a Glasgow Coma Scale assessment.
- E. Ensure the client has a patent peripheral venous catheter in place.
- F. Check the client’s driver’s license to see if he will accept blood.
Correct Answer: A,D,E
Rationale: Stabilizing the cervical spine (A) prevents spinal injury, Glasgow Coma Scale (D) assesses neurological status, and IV access (E) prepares for interventions. Organ procurement (B) is premature, high HOB (C) risks perfusion, and checking for blood acceptance (F) is secondary.
Before the client undergoes the craniotomy, the nurse inserts a urinary catheter. How far should the catheter be inserted if the client is a male?
- A. 2'' to 4'' (5 to 10 cm)
- B. 4'' to 6'' (10 to 15 cm)
- C. 6'' to 8'' (15 to 20 cm)
- D. 8'' to 10'' (20 to 25.5 cm)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: For a male, the urinary catheter should be inserted 8'' to 10'' to reach the bladder adequately.