Nokea
The nurse is caring for a patient who is in status epilepticus. What medication does the nurse know may be given to halt the seizure immediately?
- A. Intravenous phenobarbital (Luminal)
- B. Intravenous diazepam (Valium)
- C. Oral lorazepam (Ativan)
- D. Oral phenytoin (Dilantin)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: IV diazepam is used to stop status epilepticus immediately. Phenobarbital and phenytoin are for maintenance, and oral medications are inappropriate during active seizures.
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Following a traumatic brain injury, a patient has been in a coma for several days. Which of the following statements is true of this patients current LOC?
- A. The patient occasionally makes incomprehensible sounds.
- B. The patients current LOC will likely become a permanent state.
- C. The patient may occasionally make nonpurposeful movements.
- D. The patient is incapable of spontaneous respirations.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Coma patients may exhibit nonpurposeful movements to stimuli. Verbal sounds are rare, comas are not permanent, and spontaneous respirations may persist.
The nurse is providing care for a patient who is unconscious. What nursing intervention takes highest priority?
- A. Maintaining accurate records of intake and output
- B. Maintaining a patent airway
- C. Inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube as ordered
- D. Providing appropriate pain control
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Maintaining a patent airway is critical for an unconscious patient to ensure oxygenation and prevent aspiration. Other interventions, while important, are secondary to airway management.
The nurse is participating in the care of a patient with increased ICP. What diagnostic test is contraindicated in this patients treatment?
- A. Computed tomography (CT) scan
- B. Lumbar puncture
- C. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- D. Venous Doppler studies
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lumbar puncture risks brain herniation in patients with increased ICP due to pressure changes. CT, MRI, and Doppler studies are safe and non-invasive.
A patient is recovering from intracranial surgery performed approximately 24 hours ago and is complaining of a headache that the patient rates at 8 on a 10-point pain scale. What nursing action is most appropriate?
- A. Administer morphine sulfate as ordered.
- B. Reposition the patient in a prone position.
- C. Apply a hot pack to the patients scalp.
- D. Implement distraction techniques.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Severe post-craniotomy headache warrants morphine administration. Prone positioning increases ICP, hot packs may worsen pain, and distraction is inadequate for severe pain.
The nurse has created a plan of care for a patient who is at risk for increased ICP. The patients care plan should specify monitoring for what early sign of increased ICP?
- A. Disorientation and restlessness
- B. Decreased pulse and respirations
- C. Projectile vomiting
- D. Loss of corneal reflex
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Disorientation and restlessness are early signs of increased ICP. Decreased pulse, vomiting, and loss of reflexes are later manifestations.