Nokea
The nurse is caring for a client who continues to have increasingly high intracranial pressure. Which complication is expected unless intracranial pressure is resolved?
- A. Additional inflammation occurs in the brain.
- B. Blood vessels dilate circulating blood.
- C. Herniation occurs through the foramen magnum.
- D. Venous congestion occurs causing peripheral edema.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Unless intracranial pressure is resolved, the brain will shift to the lateral side or herniate downward through the foramen magnum. Inflammation occurs from damage to the brain but will reach a maximum. Blood vessels do not dilate as a result of intracranial pressure. Peripheral edema is not a concern.
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The nurse is caring for a client with bacterial meningitis. Which assessment finding(s) is most important in determining nursing care for this client? Select all that apply.
- A. Cloudy cerebral spinal fluid
- B. Pain and stiffness of the extremities
- C. Purpura of hands and feet
- D. Low white blood cell (WBC) count
- E. Low red blood cell (RBC) count
- F. Low antidiuretic hormone (ADH) levels
Correct Answer: A,C
Rationale: The cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) will be cloudy if bacterial meningitis is the causative agent. Purpura indicates a serious complication of bacterial meningitis (disseminated intravascular coagulation) is occurring and may place the client at risk for amputation of those parts. Pain and stiffness of the extremities is not indicative of meningitis. A rise in RBCs, WBCs, and ADH would be expected.
A client is about to be discharged after undergoing surgery for the treatment of a brain tumor and has a referral in place for medical and radiation oncology. Which component(s) should be included in the discharge teaching for this client? Select all that apply.
- A. Medication regimen
- B. Appointments for chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- C. Adverse effects of chemotherapy or radiation and techniques for managing them
- D. Nutritional support
- E. Electromyography
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D
Rationale: The nurse should include the medication regimen, appointments for chemotherapy and radiotherapy, adverse effects of chemotherapy or radiation and techniques for managing them, and nutritional support as components of the discharge teaching for this client. Electromyography is used in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to validate weakness in the affected muscles and should not be included for the client being discharged after surgery for a brain tumor.
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.