The nurse is caring for a patient who is scheduled for a computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain because of new onset of headaches. Which statement by the nurse is most accurate when preparing the patient for the scan?
- A. You must shampoo your hair thoroughly tonight to remove oil and dirt.
- B. You will need to hold your head completely still during the examination.
- C. You may take fluids until about 8 a.m. Then we will give you a special radiopaque drink.
- D. We will partially shave your head tonight so that electrodes can be attached securely to your scalp.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Holding the head still during a CT scan is essential for obtaining clear images. Shampooing the hair, shaving the head, or administering a radiopaque drink are not required for a standard brain CT. Providing accurate instructions ensures the patient is prepared for the procedure.
You may also like to solve these questions
The following are found in higher concentration in the tear than in the serum:
- A. sodium
- B. potassium
- C. Ig G
- D. glucose
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tears have a higher concentration of potassium compared to serum. This is due to the active secretion of potassium ions by the lacrimal gland. Sodium, IgG, and glucose are typically found in lower concentrations in tears compared to serum.
Which is the only current medicinal treatment for ALS, which appears to affect the release of the neurotransmitter glutamate?
- A. riluzole
- B. benserazide
- C. carbidopa
- D. levodopa
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Riluzole is the only FDA-approved medication for ALS. It works by reducing the release of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that can cause excitotoxicity and damage neurons when present in excessive amounts.
Select the correct etiology to complete this nursing diagnosis for a patient diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder: Disturbed personal identity, related to:
- A. obsessive fears of harming self or others.
- B. poor impulse control and lack of self-confidence.
- C. depressed mood secondary to nightmares and intrusive thoughts.
- D. cognitive distortions associated with unresolved childhood abuse issues.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because dissociative identity disorder (DID) is often linked to unresolved childhood abuse issues, leading to fragmentation of identity as a coping mechanism. This is supported by research showing a high prevalence of childhood trauma among individuals with DID. Option A is incorrect because it relates more to anxiety disorders. Option B is incorrect as it describes traits more associated with personality disorders. Option C is incorrect as it pertains to mood disorders like depression, which are not the primary etiology of DID.
When an individual has a disruption of the ability to speak is known generally as
- A. Wernicke's aphasia
- B. Broca's aphasia
- C. Beidecker's aphasia
- D. Warnick's aphasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Broca's aphasia is a language disorder that disrupts the ability to speak fluently. Individuals with this condition often experience difficulty in forming complete sentences, finding the right words, and articulating speech. This condition is caused by damage to Broca's area, located in the frontal lobe of the brain, which plays a critical role in speech production and language processing.
In the care plan for Mr. Thompson, a 78-year-old man with Parkinson's disease, Nurse Edwards is identifying tasks that can be safely delegated to a nursing assistant (NA). Considering the responsibilities and scope of practice for a nursing assistant, which of the following tasks is most appropriate for Nurse Edwards to delegate?
- A. Checking for orthostatic changes in pulse and blood pressure.
- B. Monitoring for improvement in tremor after levodopa (L-dopa) is given.
- C. Adjusting the dosage of levodopa (L-dopa) based on the patient's response.
- D. Monitoring for abnormal involuntary jerky movements of extremities.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Checking for orthostatic changes is within the scope of practice for a nursing assistant and is important for monitoring the side effects of PD medications.