Nokea
The nurse is preparing a school-age child for computed tomography (CT) scan to assess cerebral function. The nurse should include what statement in preparing the child?
- A. The scan will not hurt.
- B. Pain medication will be given.
- C. You will be able to move once the equipment is in place.
- D. Unfortunately no one can remain in the room with you during the test.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: CT scans are painless, requiring immobilization, and this should be emphasized to reduce anxiety. Pain medication isn?t needed, movement is restricted during the scan, and a caregiver can often stay with the child, depending on facility protocols.
You may also like to solve these questions
What term is used when a patient remains in a deep sleep, responsive only to vigorous and repeated stimulation?
- A. Coma
- B. Stupor
- C. Obtundation
- D. Persistent vegetative state
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stupor describes a deep sleep state requiring vigorous, repeated stimulation to respond. Coma involves no response to painful stimuli, obtundation allows arousal with less stimulation, and persistent vegetative state indicates permanent cerebral cortex loss.
An injury to which part of the brain will cause a coma?
- A. Brainstem
- B. Cerebrum
- C. Cerebellum
- D. Occipital lobe
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Brainstem injury disrupts consciousness, leading to stupor or coma. Cerebral injuries cause specific deficits like memory loss, cerebellar injuries impair coordination, and occipital lobe injuries affect vision, none of which directly cause coma.
A school-age child has sustained a head injury and multiple fractures after being thrown from a horse. The childs level of consciousness is variable. The parents tell the nurse that they think their child is in pain because of periodic crying and restlessness. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
- A. Explain that analgesia is contraindicated with a head injury.
- B. Have the parents describe the childs previous experiences with pain.
- C. Consult with a practitioner about what analgesia can be safely administered.
- D. Teach the parents that analgesia is unnecessary when the child is not fully awake and alert.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Consulting a practitioner ensures safe analgesia administration to manage pain and reduce ICP from anxiety, while monitoring neurologic status. Analgesia is not contraindicated, past pain history is secondary, and pain relief is necessary despite reduced consciousness.
What nursing intervention is appropriate when caring for an unconscious child?
- A. Avoid using narcotics or sedatives to provide comfort and pain relief.
- B. Change the childs position infrequently to minimize the chance of increased intracranial pressure (ICP).
- C. Monitor fluid intake and output carefully to avoid fluid overload and cerebral edema.
- D. Give tepid sponge baths to reduce fevers above 38.3 C (101 F) because antipyretics are contraindicated.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Monitoring fluid intake and output prevents overhydration, which can cause cerebral edema in unconscious children. Narcotics and sedatives are used for comfort, frequent repositioning prevents complications, and antipyretics are preferred over sponge baths for fever.
An 18-month-old child is brought to the emergency department after being found unconscious in the family pool. What does the nurse identify as the primary problem in drowning incidents?
- A. Hypoxia
- B. Aspiration
- C. Hypothermia
- D. Electrolyte imbalance
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hypoxia is the primary problem in drowning, causing rapid global cell damage, especially to neurons, within 4-6 minutes. Aspiration leads to pulmonary complications, hypothermia occurs but is secondary, and electrolyte imbalances are not the primary cause of morbidity.