AH IV Exam 4

The primary health care provider is planning to administer a skeletal muscle relaxant to a client with a spinal cord injury. The medication will be administered intrathecally. Which medication should the nurse expect to be prescribed and administered by this route? 1.Baclofen 2.Chlorzoxazone 3.Dantrolene sodium 4.Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride

1. Baclofen is the skeletal muscle relaxant that can be administered intrathecally, which means within the spinal column. Therefore, the remaining options are incorrect.

A client with rapid-rate atrial fibrillation asks the nurse why the cardiologist is going to perform carotid sinus massage. The nurse educates the client about the treatment. Which statement by the client indicates that the teaching has been effective? 1."The vagus nerve slows the heart rate." 2."The diaphragmatic nerve slows the heart rate." 3."The diaphragmatic nerve overdrives the rhythm." 4."The vagus nerve increases the heart rate, overdriving the rhythm."

1. Carotid sinus massage is one maneuver used for vagal stimulation to decrease a rapid heart rate and possibly terminate a tachydysrhythmia. Others include inducing the gag reflex and asking the client to strain or bear down. Medication therapy is often needed as an adjunct to keep the rate down or maintain the normal rhythm. The remaining options are incorrect descriptions of this procedure

The nurse is caring for a client with myasthenia gravis who has received edrophonium by the intravenous route to test for myasthenic crisis. The client asks the nurse how long the improvement in muscle strength will last. Which response should the nurse make to the client? 1."It will last for 4 to 5 minutes." 2."It will last for about 30 minutes." 3."It will last longer than 60 minutes." 4."It will last approximately 10 minutes."

1. Edrophonium commonly is given to test for myasthenic crisis. If the client is in myasthenic crisis, muscle strength improves after administration of the medication. Within 30 to 60 seconds, most myasthenic clients show a marked improvement in muscle tone that lasts for 4 to 5 minutes.

The nurse is caring for a client with a head injury. The client's intracranial pressure reading is 8 mm Hg. Which condition should the nurse document? 1.The intracranial pressure reading is normal. 2.The intracranial pressure reading is elevated. 3.The intracranial pressure reading is borderline. 4.An intracranial pressure reading of 8 mm Hg is low.

1. The normal intracranial pressure is 5 to 15 mm Hg. A pressure of 8 mm Hg is within normal range.

The client has developed atrial fibrillation, with a ventricular rate of 150 beats per minute. The nurse should assess the client for which associated signs and/or symptoms? Select all that apply. 1.Syncope 2.Dizziness 3.Palpitations 4.Hypertension 5.Flat neck veins

123. The client with uncontrolled atrial fibrillation with a ventricular rate more than 100 beats per minute is at risk for low cardiac output because of loss of atrial kick. The nurse assesses the client for palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, hypotension, pulse deficit, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, syncope, shortness of breath, and distended neck veins. Hypertension and flat neck veins are not associated with the loss of cardiac output.

The nurse has just admitted to the nursing unit a client with a basilar skull fracture who is at risk for increased intracranial pressure. Pending specific primary health care provider prescriptions, the nurse should safely place the client in which positions? Select all that apply. 1.Head midline 2.Neck in neutral position 3.Head of bed elevated 30 to 45 degrees 4.Head turned to the side when flat in bed 5.Neck and jaw flexed forward when opening the mouth

123. Use of proper positions promotes venous drainage from the cranium to keep intracranial pressure from elevating. The head of the client at risk for or with increased intracranial pressure should be positioned so that it is in a neutral, midline position. The head of the bed should be raised to 30 to 45 degrees. The nurse should avoid flexing or extending the client's neck or turning the client's head from side to side.

A client is at risk for vasovagal attacks that cause bradydysrhythmias. The nurse would tell the client to avoid which actions to prevent this occurrence? Select all that apply. 1.Applying pressure on the eyes 2.Raising the arms above the head 3.Taking stool softeners on a daily basis 4.Bearing down during a bowel movement 5.Simulating a gag reflex when brushing the teeth

1245. Vasovagal attacks or syncope occurs when the client faints because the body overreacts to certain triggers. The vasovagal syncope trigger causes the heart rate and blood pressure to drop suddenly. That leads to reduced blood flow to the brain, causing the client to briefly lose consciousness. The client at risk should be taught to avoid actions that stimulate the vagus nerve. Actions to avoid include raising the arms above the head, applying pressure over the carotid artery, applying pressure over the eyes, stimulating a gag reflex when brushing the teeth or putting objects into the mouth, and bearing down or straining during a bowel movement. Taking stool softeners is an important measure to prevent the bearing down and straining during a bowel movement.

The nurse is providing discharge education to a client diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia. Which medication will likely be prescribed upon discharge for this condition? 1.Lorazepam 2.Gabapentin 3.Carisoprodol 4.Chlordiazepoxide

2

The client with a spinal cord injury at the level of T4 is experiencing a severe throbbing headache with a blood pressure of 180/100 mm Hg. What is the priority nursing intervention? 1.Notify the neurologist. 2.Loosen tight clothing on the client. 3.Place the client in a sitting position. 4.Check the urinary catheter tubing for kinks or obstruction.

3. The client is demonstrating clinical manifestations of autonomic dysreflexia, which is a neurological emergency. The first priority is to place the client in a sitting position to prevent hypertensive stroke. Loosening tight clothing and checking the urinary catheter can then be done, and the neurologist can be notified once initial interventions are done.

The nurse is creating a plan of care for a client with a diagnosis of stroke (brain attack). On reviewing the client's record, the nurse notes an assessment finding of anosognosia. The nursing care plan should address which manifestation related to this finding? 1.The client will be easily fatigued. 2.The client will have difficulty speaking. 3.The client will have difficulty swallowing. 4.The client will exhibit neglect of the affected side.

4. In anosognosia, the client neglects the affected side of the body. The client either may ignore the presence of the affected side (often creating a safety hazard as a result of potential injuries) or may state that the involved arm or leg belongs to someone else. The remaining options are not associated with anosognosia.

The nurse is caring for a client with an exacerbation of multiple sclerosis. Which medication(s) will the nurse expect to be prescribed to hasten recovery from the exacerbation? 1.Carbamazepine and phenytoin by mouth 2.Lioresal by mouth and diazepam intravenously 3.Phenytoin intravenously, then tapered to oral route 4.Methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide intravenously

4. Intravenous methylprednisolone or adrenocorticotropic hormone in combination with cyclophosphamide may be prescribed to accelerate recovery from an exacerbation of multiple sclerosis. Carbamazepine may be prescribed for trigeminal neuralgia, and phenytoin may be prescribed to control seizures. Lioresal and diazepam are used to treat muscle spasticity

The nurse is caring for a client who has just been admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of a hemorrhagic stroke. The nurse should place the client in which position? 1.Prone 2.Supine 3.Semi-Fowler's with the hip and the neck flexed 4.Head of the bed elevated 30 degrees with the head in midline position

4. The primary health care provider's prescriptions are always followed with regard to positioning the client after stroke. Clients with hemorrhagic stroke usually have the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees to reduce intracranial pressure that can occur from the hemorrhage. The head should be in a midline, neutral position to facilitate venous drainage from the brain. Extreme hip and neck flexion should be avoided to prevent an increase in intrathoracic pressure and to promote venous drainage from the brain. For clients with ischemic stroke, the head of the bed usually is kept flat to ensure adequate blood flow and thus oxygenation to the brain. Prone, supine, and hip and neck flexion are incorrect positions for clients with hemorrhagic stroke.

The nurse is preparing to administer medications to a patient with MS. Which order would the nurse question? A. Baclofen B. Dalfampridine C. Carbamazepine D. Alteplase

D

A client with a spinal cord injury at the level of C5 has a weakened respiratory effort and ineffective cough and is using accessory neck muscles in breathing. The nurse carefully monitors the client and suspects the presence of which problem? 1.Altered breathing pattern 2.Increased likelihood of injury 3.Ineffective oxygen consumption 4.Increased susceptibility to aspiration

1. Altered breathing pattern indicates that the respiratory rate, depth, rhythm, timing, or chest wall movements are insufficient for optimal ventilation of the client. This is a risk for clients with spinal cord injury in the lower cervical area. Ineffective oxygen consumption occurs when oxygenation or carbon dioxide elimination is altered at the alveolar-capillary membrane. Increased susceptibility to aspiration and increased likelihood of injury are unrelated to the subject of the question.

The nurse is caring for a client who sustained a spinal cord injury. During administration of morning care, the client begins to exhibit signs and symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia. Which initial nursing action should the nurse take? 1.Elevate the head of the bed. 2.Examine the rectum digitally. 3.Assess the client's blood pressure. 4.Place the client in the prone position.

1. Autonomic dysreflexia is a serious complication that can occur in the spinal cord-injured client. Once the syndrome is identified, the nurse elevates the head of the client's bed and then examines the client for the source of noxious stimuli. The nurse also assesses the client's blood pressure, but the initial action would be to elevate the head of the bed. The client would not be placed in the prone position; lying flat will increase the client's blood pressure.

A client with recent-onset Bell's palsy is upset and crying about the change in facial appearance. The nurse plans to support the client emotionally by making which statement to the client? 1."This is not a stroke, and many clients recover in 3 to 5 weeks." 2."This is caused by a small tumor, which can be removed easily." 3."This is similar to a stroke, but all symptoms will reverse without treatment." 4."This is a temporary problem, with treatment similar to that for migraine headaches."

1. Clients with Bell's palsy should be reassured that they have not experienced a stroke (brain attack) and that symptoms often disappear spontaneously in 3 to 5 weeks. The client is given supportive treatment for symptoms. Bell's palsy usually is not caused by a tumor, and the treatment is not similar to that for migraine headaches.

A client with myasthenia gravis arrives at the hospital emergency department in suspected crisis. The primary health care provider plans to administer edrophonium to differentiate between myasthenic and cholinergic crises. The nurse ensures that which medication is available in the event that the client is in cholinergic crisis? 1.Atropine sulfate 2.Morphine sulfate 3.Protamine sulfate 4.Pyridostigmine bromide

1. Clients with cholinergic crisis have experienced an overdosage of medication. Edrophonium will exacerbate symptoms in cholinergic crisis to the point at which the client may need intubation and mechanical ventilation. Intravenous atropine sulfate is used to reverse the effects of these anticholinesterase medications. Morphine sulfate and pyridostigmine bromide would worsen the symptoms of cholinergic crisis. Protamine sulfate is the antidote for heparin

A client arrives in the hospital emergency department with a closed head injury to the right side of the head caused by an assault with a baseball bat. The nurse assesses the client neurologically, looking primarily for motor response deficits that involve which area? 1.The left side of the body 2.The right side of the body 3.Both sides of the body equally 4.Cranial nerves only, such as speech and pupillary response

1. Motor responses such as weakness and decreased movement will be seen on the side of the body that is opposite an area of head injury. Contralateral deficits result from compression of the cortex of the brain or the pyramidal tracts. Depending on the severity of the injury, the client may have a variety of neurological deficits.

A client has a cerebellar lesion. The nurse should plan to obtain which item for use by the client? 1.Walker 2.Slider board 3.Raised toilet seat 4.Adaptive eating utensils

1. The cerebellum is responsible for balance and coordination. A walker would provide stability for the client during ambulation. A slider board would be used in transferring a client with weak or paralyzed legs from a bed to a stretcher or wheelchair. A raised toilet seat would be useful if the client did not have sufficient mobility or ability to flex the hips. Adaptive eating utensils would be beneficial if the client had partial paralysis of the hand

The nurse is assigned to care for a client with complete right-sided hemiparesis from a stroke (brain attack). Which characteristics are associated with this condition? Select all that apply. 1.The client is aphasic. 2.The client has weakness on the right side of the body. 3.The client has complete bilateral paralysis of the arms and legs. 4.The client has weakness on the right side of the face and tongue. 5.The client has lost the ability to move the right arm but is able to walk independently. 6.The client has lost the ability to ambulate independently but is able to feed and bathe herself or himself without assistance.

124. Hemiparesis is a weakness of one side of the body that may occur after a stroke. It involves weakness of the face and tongue, arm, and leg on one side. These clients are also aphasic, unable to discriminate words and letters. They are generally very cautious and get anxious when attempting a new task. Complete bilateral paralysis does not occur in hemiparesis. The client with right-sided hemiparesis has weakness of the right arm and leg and needs assistance with feeding, bathing, and ambulating.

A client with a spinal cord injury is prone to experiencing autonomic dysreflexia. The nurse should include which measures in the plan of care to minimize the risk of occurrence? Select all that apply. 1.Keeping the linens wrinkle-free under the client 2.Preventing unnecessary pressure on the lower limbs 3.Limiting bladder catheterization to once every 12 hours 4.Turning and repositioning the client at least every 2 hours 5.Ensuring that the client has a bowel movement at least once a week

124. The most frequent cause of autonomic dysreflexia is a distended bladder. Straight catheterization should be done every 4 to 6 hours (catheterization every 12 hours is too infrequent), and urinary catheters should be checked frequently to prevent kinks in the tubing. Constipation and fecal impaction are other causes, so maintaining bowel regularity is important. Ensuring a bowel movement once a week is much too infrequent. Other causes include stimulation of the skin from tactile, thermal, or painful stimuli. The nurse administers care to minimize risk in these areas.

The nurse is caring for a client with respiratory failure related to Guillain-Barré syndrome. The nurse plans care knowing that what other extrapulmonary causes can lead to respiratory failure? Select all that apply. 1.Stroke 2.Pneumonia 3.Sleep apnea 4.Myasthenia gravis 5.Obstructive lung disease 6.Opioid analgesics, sedatives, anesthetics

1346. Extrapulmonary causes of respiratory failure include the following: stroke; sleep apnea; myasthenia gravis; and opioid analgesics, sedatives, and anesthetics. Both obstructive lung disease and pneumonia are intrapulmonary causes of respiratory failure.

The nurse is caring for the client with increased intracranial pressure as a result of a head injury? The nurse would note which trend in vital signs if the intracranial pressure is rising? 1.Increasing temperature, increasing pulse, increasing respirations, decreasing blood pressure 2.Increasing temperature, decreasing pulse, decreasing respirations, increasing blood pressure 3.Decreasing temperature, decreasing pulse, increasing respirations, decreasing blood pressure 4.Decreasing temperature, increasing pulse, decreasing respirations, increasing blood pressure

2. A change in vital signs may be a late sign of increased intracranial pressure. Trends include increasing temperature and blood pressure and decreasing pulse and respirations. Respiratory irregularities also may occur.

The nurse is monitoring ongoing care for a potential organ donor who has been diagnosed with brain death. Which finding indicates to the nurse that the standard for ongoing care has been maintained? 1.PaO2 70 mm Hg 2.Urine output 100 mL/hr 3.Heart rate 52 beats/min 4.Blood pressure 90/48 mm Hg

2. Adequate perfusion must be maintained to all vital organs in order for the client to remain viable as an organ donor. Guidelines may be used to maintain organ viability, but adequate perfusion is necessary. The correct option is the only one that indicates adequate perfusion. The incorrect options identify lower than normal values, thus adequate perfusion would not be maintained.

The nurse assesses a client who is diagnosed with a stroke (brain attack). On assessment, the client is unable to understand the nurse's commands. Which condition should the nurse document? 1.Occipital lobe impairment 2.Damage to the auditory association areas 3.Frontal lobe and optic nerve tracts damage 4.Difficulty with concept formation and abstraction areas

2. Auditory association and storage areas are located in the temporal lobe and relate to understanding spoken language. The occipital lobe contains areas related to vision. The frontal lobe controls voluntary muscle activity, including speech, and an impairment can result in expressive aphasia. The parietal lobe contains association areas for concept formation, abstraction, spatial orientation, body and object size and shape, and tactile sensation.

A client admitted to the nursing unit from the hospital emergency department has a C4 spinal cord injury. In conducting the admission assessment, what is the nurse's priority action? 1.Take the temperature. 2.Listen to breath sounds. 3.Observe for dyskinesias. 4.Assess extremity muscle strength

2. Because compromise of respiration is a leading cause of death in cervical cord injury, respiratory assessment is the highest priority. Assessment of temperature and strength can be done after adequate oxygenation is ensured. Because dyskinesias occur in cerebellar disorders, this is not as important a concern as in cord-injured clients unless head injury is suspected.

A client with rapid-rate atrial fibrillation has a new prescription for diltiazem hydrochloride by intravenous (IV) bolus followed by a continuous IV infusion of the same medication. What should the nurse plan for with the administration of this medication? 1.Applying a nonrebreather mask 2.Discontinuing the infusion after 24 hours 3.Monitoring the cardiac rhythm every hour 4.Administering the IV bolus over 2 to 3 seconds

2. Diltiazem hydrochloride is a calcium channel blocker used in the treatment of atrial flutter and fibrillation. It decreases myocardial contractility and workload, thereby decreasing the need for oxygen. A bolus of 0.25 mg/kg is given slowly over 2 minutes, and a continuous infusion of 5 to 10 mg/hour may be administered for up to 24 hours. Therefore, the nurse should prepare to discontinue the infusion after 24 hours. Upon discontinuation of infusion, heart rate reduction may last from 0.5 hours to more than 10 hours (median duration 7 hours). A nonrebreather mask is not necessary. The client's cardiac rhythm is monitored continuously.

The nurse is admitting a client to the hospital emergency department from a nursing home. The client is unconscious with an apparent frontal head injury. A medical diagnosis of epidural hematoma is suspected. Which question is of the highest priority for the emergency department nurse to ask of the transferring nurse at the nursing home? 1."When did the injury occur?" 2."Was the client awake and talking right after the injury?" 3."What medications has the client received since the fall?" 4."What was the client's level of consciousness before the injury?

2. Epidural hematomas frequently are characterized by a "lucid interval" that lasts for minutes to hours, during which the client is awake and talking. After this lucid interval, signs and symptoms progress rapidly, with potentially catastrophic intracranial pressure increase. Epidural hematomas are medical emergencies. It is important for the nurse to assist in the differentiation between epidural hematoma and other types of head injuries.

The nurse is assessing the function of cranial nerve XII in a client who sustained a stroke. To assess function of this nerve, which action should the nurse ask the client to perform? 1.Extend the arms. 2.Extend the tongue. 3.Turn the head toward the nurse's arm. 4.Focus the eyes on the object held by the nurse.

2. Impairment of cranial nerve XII can occur with a stroke. To assess the function of cranial nerve XII (the hypoglossal nerve), the nurse would assess the client's ability to extend the tongue. The maneuvers noted in the remaining options do not test the function of cranial nerve XII.

A client has a closed head injury with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The increased ICP is being managed by mannitol 25 g by the intravenous (IV) route every 2 hours. The nurse is planning to administer this medication via IV pump in what manner? 1.Mixed in solution with the IV antibiotics 2.Giving it slowly over 30 to 90 minutes 3.Piggybacked into the packed red blood cells 4.Giving it rapidly over 5 minutes by IV bolus

2. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic. When used to treat increased ICP, it is given slowly over 30 to 90 minutes, not rapidly and not via IV bolus. Mannitol should not be mixed in solutions with antibiotics, and nothing should be piggybacked with packed red blood cells.

The nurse is evaluating a client's response to cardioversion. Which assessment would be the priority? 1.Blood pressure 2.Airway patency 3.Oxygen flow rate 4.Level of consciousness

2. Nursing responsibilities after cardioversion include maintenance first of a patent airway, and then oxygen administration, assessment of vital signs and level of consciousness, and dysrhythmia detection.

The nurse is performing an assessment on a client with Guillain-Barré syndrome. The nurse determines that which finding would be of most concern? 1.Difficulty articulating words 2.Lung vital capacity of 10 mL/kg 3.Paralysis progressing from the toes to the waist 4.A blood pressure (BP) decrease from 110/78 mm Hg to 102/70 mm Hg

2. Respiratory compromise is a major concern in clients with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Clients often are intubated and mechanically ventilated when the vital capacity is less than 15 mL/kg. Difficulty articulating words and paralysis progressing from the toes to the waist are expected, depending on the degree of paralysis that occurs. Although orthostatic hypotension is a problem with these clients, the BP drop in option 4 is less than 10 mm Hg and is not significant.

A client is wearing a continuous cardiac monitor, which begins to sound its alarm. The nurse sees no electrocardiographic complexes on the screen. Which is the priority nursing action? 1.Call a code. 2.Check the client's status. 3.Call the primary health care provider. 4.Document the lack of complexes.

2. Sudden loss of electrocardiographic complexes indicates ventricular asystole or possibly electrode displacement. Accurate assessment of the client is necessary to determine the cause and identify the appropriate intervention. The remaining options are secondary to client assessment.

A client with a traumatic brain injury is able, with eyes closed, to identify a set of keys placed in his or her hands. On the basis of this assessment finding, the nurse determines that there is appropriate function of which lobe of the brain? 1.Frontal 2.Parietal 3.Occipital 4.Temporal

2. The ability to distinguish an object by touch is called stereognosis, which is a function of the right parietal area. The parietal lobe of the brain is responsible for spatial orientation and awareness of sizes and shapes. The left parietal area is responsible for mathematics and right-left orientation. The other lobes of the brain are not responsible for this function.

The nurse notes that a client who has suffered a brain injury has an adequate heart rate, blood pressure, fluid balance, and body temperature. Based on these clinical findings, the nurse determines that which brain area is functioning properly? 1.Thalamus 2.Hypothalamus 3.Limbic system 4.Reticular activating system

2. The hypothalamus is responsible for autonomic nervous system functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and fluid and electrolyte balance (among others). The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory and motor information. The limbic system is responsible for emotions. The reticular activating system is responsible for the sleep-wake cycle

The home care nurse is making a visit to a client who requires use of a wheelchair after a spinal cord injury sustained 4 months earlier. Just before leaving the home, the nurse ensures that which intervention has been done to prevent an episode of autonomic dysreflexia (hyperreflexia)? 1.Updating the home safety sheet 2.Leaving the client in an unchilled area of the room 3.Noting a bowel movement on the client progress note 4.Recording the amount of urine obtained with catheterization

2. The most common cause of autonomic dysreflexia is visceral stimuli, such as with blockage of urinary drainage or with constipation. Barring these, other causes include noxious mechanical and thermal stimuli, particularly pressure and overchilling. For this reason, the nurse ensures that the client is positioned with no pinching or pressure on paralyzed body parts and that the client will be sufficiently warm.

Which assessment finding should the nurse expect to note in the client hospitalized with a diagnosis of stroke who has difficulty chewing food? 1.Dysfunction of vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) 2.Dysfunction of trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) 3.Dysfunction of hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII) 4.Dysfunction of spinal accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI)

2. The motor branch of cranial nerve V is responsible for the ability to chew food. The vagus nerve is active in parasympathetic functions of the autonomic nervous system. The hypoglossal nerve aids in swallowing. The spinal accessory nerve is responsible for shoulder movement, among other things.

The nurse is performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a client who has had a cardiac arrest. An automatic external defibrillator (AED) is available to treat the client. Which activity will allow the nurse to assess the client's cardiac rhythm? 1.Hold the defibrillator paddles firmly against the chest. 2.Apply adhesive patch electrodes to the chest and move away from the client. 3.Connect standard electrocardiographic electrodes to a transtelephonic monitoring device. 4.Apply standard electrocardiographic monitoring leads to the client, and observe the rhythm.

2. The nurse or rescuer puts two adhesive patch electrodes on the client's chest in the usual defibrillator positions. The nurse stops CPR and requests that anyone near the client move away and not touch the client. The defibrillator then analyzes the rhythm, which may take up to 30 seconds. The machine then indicates whether defibrillation is necessary.

A client is admitted with an exacerbation of multiple sclerosis. The nurse is assessing the client for possible precipitating risk factors. Which factor, if reported by the client, should the nurse identify as being unrelated to the exacerbation? 1.Annual influenza vaccination 2.Ingestion of increased fruits and vegetables 3.An established routine of walking 2 miles each evening 4.A recent period of extreme outside ambient temperatures

2. The onset or exacerbation of multiple sclerosis can be preceded by a number of different factors, including physical stress (e.g., vaccination, excessive exercise), emotional stress, fatigue, infection, physical injury, pregnancy, extremes in environmental temperature, and high humidity. No methods of primary prevention are known. Intake of fruits and vegetables is a healthy and an unrelated item.

A client has sustained damage to Wernicke's area from a stroke (brain attack). On assessment of the client, which sign or symptom would be noted? 1.Difficulty speaking 2.Problem with understanding language 3.Difficulty controlling voluntary motor activity 4.Problem with articulating events from the remote past

2. Wernicke's area consists of a small group of cells in the temporal lobe whose function is the understanding of language. Damage to Broca's area is responsible for aphasia. The motor cortex in the precentral gyrus controls voluntary motor activity. The hippocampus is responsible for the storage of memory.

The nurse is caring for a client who was admitted for a stroke (brain attack) of the temporal lobe. Which clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to note in the client? 1.The client will be unable to recall past events. 2.The client will have difficulty understanding language. 3.The client will have difficulty moving 1 side of the body. 4.The client will demonstrate difficulty articulating words.

2. Wernicke's area consists of a small group of cells in the temporal lobe, the function of which is the understanding of language. The hippocampus is responsible for the storage of memory (the client will be unable to recall past events). Damage to Broca's area is responsible for aphasia (the client will demonstrate difficulty articulating words). The motor cortex in the precentral gyrus controls voluntary motor activity (the client will have difficulty moving one side of the body).

A client with valvular heart disease who has a clot in the right atrium is receiving a heparin sodium infusion at 1000 units/hr and warfarin sodium 7.5 mg at 5:00 p.m. daily. The morning laboratory results are as follows: activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), 32 seconds; international normalized ratio (INR), 1.3. The nurse should take which action based on the client's laboratory results? 1.Collaborate with the primary health care provider (PHCP) to discontinue the heparin infusion and administer the warfarin sodium as prescribed. 2.Collaborate with the PHCP to obtain a prescription to increase the heparin infusion and continue the warfarin sodium as prescribed. 3.Collaborate with the PHCP to withhold the warfarin sodium since the client is receiving a heparin infusion and the aPTT is within the therapeutic range. 4.Collaborate with the PHCP to continue the heparin infusion at the same rate and to discuss use of dabigatran etexilate in place of warfarin sodium.

2. When a client is receiving warfarin for clot prevention due to atrial fibrillation, an INR of 2 to 3 is appropriate for most clients. Until the INR has achieved a therapeutic range, the client should be maintained on a continuous heparin infusion with the aPTT ranging between 60 and 80 seconds. Therefore, the nurse should collaborate with the HCP to obtain a prescription to increase the heparin infusion and to administer the warfarin as prescribed.

A client has just undergone spinal fusion after experiencing herniation of a lumbar disk. The nurse should include which interventions to maintain client safety after this procedure? Select all that apply. 1.Use the overhead trapeze. 2.Keep the head of the bed flat. 3.Place pillows under the length of the legs. 4.Use a logrolling technique for repositioning. 5.Assist the client with eating meals and drinking fluids.

2345 After a client has spinal fusion, the head of the bed generally is kept flat. Because the client is in the flat position, the nurse should assist the client with eating meals and drinking fluids. The client is logrolled from side to side as prescribed. Pillows may be placed under the entire length of the legs, in accordance with surgeon preference, to relieve tension on the lower back. The use of an overhead trapeze may decrease control of spinal movement and is contraindicated because its use could promote twisting of the spine after surgery

The primary health care provider is preparing to administer edrophonium to the client with myasthenia gravis. In planning care, the nurse understands which about the administration of edrophonium? Select all that apply. 1. Edrophonium is a long-acting cholinesterase inhibitor. 2. Atropine is used to reverse the effects of edrophonium. 3. If symptoms worsen following administration of edrophonium, the crisis is cholinergic. 4. Edrophonium is used to distinguish between a myasthenic crisis and a cholinergic crisis. 5. An improvement in symptoms following administration of edrophonium indicates myasthenic crisis.

2345. Edrophonium is an ultra-short-acting reversible cholinesterase inhibitor that can be used to distinguish between a cholinergic and a myasthenic crisis. To distinguish between overtreatment (cholinergic crisis) and undertreatment (myasthenic crisis), edrophonium is administered; this is often referred to as a Tensilon test. Overtreatment of myasthenia gravis with reversible cholinesterase inhibitors results in a cholinergic crisis. Undertreatment can result in a myasthenic crisis. Both cholinergic and myasthenic crises result in increased muscle weakness or paralysis. If symptoms improve after the administration of edrophonium, the crisis is myasthenic; if symptoms worsen, the crisis is cholinergic. Atropine must be readily available so that edrophonium can be reversed if the symptoms worsen.

The nurse is planning discharge teaching for a client started on acetazolamide for a supratentorial lesion. Which information about the primary action of the medication should be included in the client's education? 1.It will prevent hypertension. 2.It will prevent hyperthermia. 3.It decreases cerebrospinal fluid production. 4.It maintains adequate blood pressure for cerebral perfusion.

3. Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and a diuretic. It is used in the client with or at risk for increased intracranial pressure to decrease cerebrospinal fluid production. The remaining options are not actions of this medication.

The nurse is assessing a client with a brainstem injury. In addition to obtaining the client's vital signs and determining the Glasgow Coma Scale score, what priority intervention should the nurse plan to implement? 1.Check cranial nerve functioning. 2.Determine the cause of the accident. 3.Draw blood for arterial blood gas analysis. 4.Perform a pulmonary wedge pressure measurement.

3. Assessment should be specific to the area of the brain involved. The respiratory center is located in the brainstem. Assessing the respiratory status is the priority for a client with a brainstem injury. The actions in the remaining options are not priorities, although they may be a component in the assessment process, depending on the injury and client condition.

A client whose cardiac rhythm was normal sinus rhythm suddenly exhibits a fib on the monitor. The nurse should take which action? 1.Continue to watch the monitor. 2.Check to see if cardiac medications are due. 3.Contact the primary health care provider (PHCP). 4.Call respiratory therapy for a respiratory treatment.

3. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by multiple rapid impulses from many atrial foci in a totally disorganized manner at a rate of 350 to 600 times per minute. The atria quiver in fibrillation. As a result, thrombi can form within the right atrium and move through the right ventricle to the lungs. This can be a life-threatening situation requiring pharmacological therapy. Therefore, the PHCP needs to be contacted. Continuing to monitor and checking to see if cardiac medications are due delay necessary and required interventions. A respiratory treatment is not useful for this situation.

The nurse is caring for a client admitted for a herniated intervertebral lumbar disk who is complaining about stabbing pain radiating to the lower back and the right buttock. The nurse determines that the client's signs/symptoms are most likely due to which condition? 1.Pressure on the spinal cord 2.Pressure on the spinal nerve root 3.Muscle spasm in the area of the herniated disk 4.Excess cerebrospinal fluid production in the area

3. Compression of a nerve results in inflammation, which then irritates adjacent muscles, putting them into spasm. The pain of muscle spasm is continuous, knife-like, and localized in the affected area. Pressure on the spinal cord itself could result in a variety of manifestations, depending on the area involved. Pressure on a spinal nerve root causes the symptoms of sciatica.

The home care nurse is performing an assessment on a client with a diagnosis of Bell's palsy. Which assessment question will elicit specific information regarding this client's disorder? 1."Do your eyes feel dry?" 2."Do you have any spasms in your throat?" 3."Are you having any difficulty chewing food?" 4."Do you have any tingling sensations around your mouth?"

3. Bell's palsy is a one-sided facial paralysis caused by compression of the facial nerve. Manifestations include facial droop from paralysis of the facial muscles; increased lacrimation; painful sensations in the eye, face, or behind the ear; and speech or chewing difficulties.

A client develops atrial fibrillation with a ventricular rate of 140 beats/minute and signs of decreased cardiac output. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering first? 1.Warfarin 2.Lidocaine 3.Metoprolol 4.Atropine sulfate

3. Beta blockers such as metoprolol slow conduction of impulses through the atrioventricular node and decrease the heart rate. In rapid atrial fibrillation, the goal first is to slow the ventricular rate and improve the cardiac output and then attempt to restore normal sinus rhythm. Atropine sulfate will further increase the heart rate and will further decrease the cardiac output. Although warfarin is administered to clients with atrial fibrillation to prevent clots from forming in the atria, it will have no effect in decreasing the ventricular rate or restoring normal sinus rhythm. Lidocaine is useful only in suppressing ventricular dysrhythmias.

The nurse in the neurological unit is caring for a client who was in a motor vehicle crash and sustained a blunt head injury. On assessment of the client, the nurse notes the presence of bloody drainage from the nose. Which nursing action is most appropriate? 1.Insert nasal packing. 2.Document the findings. 3.Contact the primary health care provider (PHCP). 4.Monitor the client's blood pressure and check for signs of increased intracranial pressure.

3. Bloody or clear drainage from either the nasal or the auditory canal after head trauma could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid leak. The appropriate nursing action is to notify the PHCP because this finding requires immediate intervention. The remaining options are inappropriate nursing actions in this situation

The nurse is reviewing the medical records of a client admitted to the nursing unit with a diagnosis of a thrombotic brain attack (stroke). The nurse would expect to note that which is documented in the assessment data section of the record? 1.Sudden loss of consciousness occurred. 2.Signs and symptoms occurred suddenly. 3.The client experienced paresthesias a few days before admission to the hospital. 4.The client complained of a severe headache, which was followed by sudden onset of paralysis.

3. Cerebral thrombosis does not occur suddenly. In the few hours or days preceding a thrombotic brain attack (stroke), the client may experience a transient loss of speech, hemiplegia, or paresthesias on 1 side of the body. Signs and symptoms of thrombotic brain attack (stroke) vary but may include dizziness, cognitive changes, or seizures. Headache is rare, but some clients with stroke (brain attack) experience signs and symptoms similar to those of cerebral embolism or intracranial hemorrhage.

A client with atrial fibrillation is receiving a continuous heparin infusion at 1000 units/hr. The nurse determines that the client is receiving the therapeutic effect based on which results? 1.Prothrombin time of 12.5 seconds 2.Activated partial thromboplastin time of 28 seconds 3.Activated partial thromboplastin time of 60 seconds 4.Activated partial thromboplastin time longer than 120 seconds

3. Common laboratory ranges for activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) are 30 to 40 seconds. Because the aPTT should be 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal value, the client's aPTT would be considered therapeutic if it was 60 seconds. Prothrombin time assesses response to warfarin therapy.

Dantrolene sodium has been administered to a client with a spinal cord injury. The nurse determines that the client is experiencing a side or adverse effect of the medication if which is noted? 1.Dizziness 2.Drowsiness 3.Abdominal pain 4.Lightheadedness

3. Dantrium is hepatotoxic. The nurse observes for indications of liver dysfunction, which include jaundice, abdominal pain, and malaise. The nurse notifies the primary health care provider if these occur. The signs and symptoms in the remaining options are expected side effects due to the central nervous system-depressant effects of the medication.

Dantrolene is prescribed for a client with spinal cord injury for discomfort caused by spasticity. Which finding would alert the nurse to a potential adverse effect associated with this medication? 1.Headache 2.Blurred vision 3.Elevated temperature 4.Abdominal distention

3. Dantrolene is a centrally acting muscle relaxant. Malignant hyperthermia is a rare but life-threatening adverse effect that can occur with use of this medication. Therefore, an elevated temperature would alert the nurse to this potential adverse effect.

The nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is being evaluated for possible myasthenia gravis. The primary health care provider gives a test dose of edrophonium. Evaluation of the results indicates that the test is positive. Which would be the expected response noted by the nurse? 1.Joint pain for the next 15 minutes 2.An immediate increase in blood pressure 3.An increase in muscle strength within 1 to 3 minutes 4.Feelings of faintness or dizziness for 5 to 10 minutes

3. Edrophonium is a short-acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used to diagnose myasthenia gravis. An increase in muscle strength should be seen in 1 to 3 minutes following the test dose if the client does have the disease. If no response occurs, another dose is given over the next 2 minutes and muscle strength is tested again. If no increase in muscle strength occurs with this higher dose, the muscle weakness is not caused by myasthenia gravis. Clients who receive injections of this medication commonly demonstrate a drop in blood pressure, feel faint and dizzy, and are flushed.

The nurse is administering an intravenous dose of methocarbamol to a client with multiple sclerosis. For which adverse effect should the nurse monitor? 1.Tachycardia 2.Rapid pulse 3.Bradycardia 4.Hypertension

3. Intravenous administration of methocarbamol can cause hypotension and bradycardia. The nurse needs to monitor for these adverse effects. Options 1, 2, and 4 are not effects with administration of this medication.

A client is having frequent premature ventricular contractions. The nurse should place priority on assessment of which item? 1.Sensation of palpitations 2.Causative factors, such as caffeine 3.Blood pressure and oxygen saturation 4.Precipitating factors, such as infection

3. Premature ventricular contractions can cause hemodynamic compromise. Therefore, the priority is to monitor the blood pressure and oxygen saturation. The shortened ventricular filling time can lead to decreased cardiac output. The client may be asymptomatic or may feel palpitations. Premature ventricular contractions can be caused by cardiac disorders; states of hypoxemia; any number of physiological stressors, such as infection, illness, surgery, or trauma; and intake of caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol.

The nurse is evaluating the neurological signs of a client in spinal shock following spinal cord injury. Which observation indicates that spinal shock persists? 1.Hyperreflexia 2.Positive reflexes 3.Flaccid paralysis 4.Reflex emptying of the bladder

3. Resolution of spinal shock is occurring when there is return of reflexes (especially flexors to noxious cutaneous stimuli), a state of hyper-reflexia rather than flaccidity, and reflex emptying of the bladder.

A client is being treated with procainamide for a cardiac dysrhythmia. Following intravenous administration of the medication, the client complains of dizziness. What intervention should the nurse take first? 1.Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram. 2.Check the client's fingerstick blood glucose level. 3.Auscultate the client's apical pulse and blood pressure. 4.Measure the QRS interval duration on the rhythm strip.

3. Signs of toxicity from procainamide include confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, decreased urination, nausea, vomiting, and tachydysrhythmias. If the client complains of dizziness, the nurse should assess the vital signs first. Although measuring the QRS duration on the rhythm strip and obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram may be interventions, these would be done after the vital signs are taken. Dizziness directly following the procainamide indicates that the medication was the likely cause and should be addressed before assessing for other possible causes such as hypoglycemia

The family of a client with a spinal cord injury rushes to the nursing station, saying that the client needs immediate help. On entering the room, the nurse notes that the client is diaphoretic with a flushed face and neck and is complaining of a severe headache. The pulse rate is 40 beats/minute, and the blood pressure is 230/100 mm Hg. The nurse acts quickly, suspecting that the client is experiencing which condition? 1.Spinal shock 2.Pulmonary embolism 3.Autonomic dysreflexia 4.Malignant hyperthermia

3. The client with a spinal cord injury is at risk for autonomic dysreflexia with an injury above the level of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7). Autonomic dysreflexia is characterized by severe, throbbing headache; flushing of the face and neck; bradycardia; and sudden severe hypertension. Other signs include nasal stuffiness, blurred vision, nausea, and sweating. Autonomic dysreflexia is a life-threatening syndrome triggered by a noxious stimulus below the level of the injury. The data in the question are not associated with the conditions noted in the remaining options.

At 8:00 a.m., a client who has had a stroke (brain attack) was awake and alert with vital signs of temperature 98º F (37.2º C) orally, pulse 80 beats/min, respirations 18 breaths/min, and blood pressure 138/80 mm Hg. At noon, the client is confused and only responsive to tactile stimuli, and vital signs are temperature 99º F (36.7º C) orally, pulse 62 beats/min, respirations 20 breaths/min, and blood pressure 166/72 mm Hg. The nurse should take which action? 1.Reorient the client. 2.Retake the vital signs. 3.Call the primary health care provider (PHCP). 4.Administer an antihypertensive PRN (as needed).

3. The important nursing action is to call the PHCP. The deterioration in neurological status, decreasing pulse, and increasing blood pressure with a widening pulse pressure all indicate that the client is experiencing increased intracranial pressure, which requires immediate treatment to prevent further complications and possible death. The nurse should retake the vital signs and reorient the client to surroundings. If the client's blood pressure falls within parameters for PRN antihypertensive medication, the medication also should be administered. However, options 1, 2, and 4 are secondary nursing actions.

The nurse notes that a client with sinus rhythm has a premature ventricular contraction that falls on the T wave of the preceding beat. The client's rhythm suddenly changes to one with no P waves, no definable QRS complexes, and coarse wavy lines of varying amplitude. How should the nurse interpret this rhythm? 1.Asystole 2.Atrial fibrillation 3.Ventricular fibrillation 4.Ventricular tachycardia

3. Ventricular fibrillation is characterized by irregular chaotic undulations of varying amplitudes. Ventricular fibrillation has no measurable rate and no visible P waves or QRS complexes and results from electrical chaos in the ventricles.

The nurse is caring for a client who is pulseless and experiencing v tach. Which interventions should the nurse anticipate implementing in collaboration with the primary health care provider (PHCP)? Select all that apply. 1.Prepare for cardioversion. 2.Prepare to administer digoxin. 3.Prepare to administer amiodarone. 4.Prepare to administer epinephrine. 5.Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

345. Pulseless ventricular tachycardia is treated the same way as ventricular fibrillation with measures that include defibrillation, CPR, and medication therapy, with agents such as epinephrine and amiodarone and others.

A client with a traumatic closed head injury shows signs of secondary brain injury. What are some manifestations of secondary brain injury? Select all that apply. 1.Fever 2.Seizures 3.Hypoxia 4.Ischemia 5.Hypotension 6.Increased intracranial pressure (ICP)

3456. Secondary brain injury can occur several hours to days after the initial brain injury and is a major concern when managing brain trauma. Nursing management of the client with an acute intracranial problem must include management of secondary injury. Manifestations of secondary injury include hypoxia, ischemia, hypotension, and increased ICP that follows primary injury. It does not include fever or seizures.

A client recovering from a head injury is participating in care. The nurse determines that the client understands measures to prevent elevations in intracranial pressure if the nurse observes the client doing which activity? 1.Blowing the nose 2.Isometric exercises 3.Coughing vigorously 4.Exhaling during repositioning

4. Activities that increase intrathoracic and intraabdominal pressures cause an indirect elevation of the intracranial pressure. Some of these activities include isometric exercises, Valsalva's maneuver, coughing, sneezing, and blowing the nose. Exhaling during activities such as repositioning or pulling up in bed opens the glottis, which prevents intrathoracic pressure from rising.

A client with a subarachnoid hemorrhage needs to have surgery delayed until a stable clinical condition is achieved. The nurse prepares to administer which medication as prescribed to prevent clot breakdown and dissolution? 1.Alteplase 2.Heparin sodium 3.Warfarin sodium 4.Aminocaproic acid

4. Aminocaproic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent that prevents clot breakdown or dissolution. It is commonly prescribed after subarachnoid hemorrhage if surgery is delayed or contraindicated, to prevent further hemorrhage. Alteplase is a fibrinolytic that actively breaks down clots. Warfarin sodium and heparin sodium are anticoagulants that interfere with propagation or growth of a clot.

A client with myasthenia gravis has become increasingly weaker. The primary health care provider prepares to identify whether the client is reacting to an overdose of the medication (cholinergic crisis) or an increasing severity of the disease (myasthenic crisis). An injection of edrophonium is administered. Which finding would indicate that the client is in cholinergic crisis? 1.No change in the condition 2.Complaints of muscle spasms 3.An improvement of the weakness 4.A temporary worsening of the condition

4. An edrophonium injection makes the client in cholinergic crisis temporarily worse. An improvement in the weakness indicates myasthenia crisis. Muscle spasms are not associated with this test.

A client who has a spinal cord injury that resulted in paraplegia experiences a sudden onset of severe headache and nausea. The client is diaphoretic with piloerection and has flushing of the skin. The client's systolic blood pressure (BP) is 210 mm Hg. What should the nurse immediately suspect? 1.Return of spinal shock 2.Malignant hypertension 3.Impending brain attack (stroke) 4.Autonomic dysreflexia (hyperreflexia)

4. Autonomic dysreflexia (hyperreflexia) results from sudden strong discharge of the sympathetic nervous system in response to a noxious stimulus. Signs and symptoms include pounding headache, nausea, nasal stuffiness, flushed skin, piloerection, and diaphoresis. Severe hypertension can occur, with a systolic BP rising potentially as high as 300 mm Hg. It often is triggered by thermal or mechanical events such as a kinking of catheter tubing, constipation, urinary tract infection, or any variety of cutaneous stimuli. The nurse must recognize this situation immediately and take corrective action to remove the stimulus. If untreated, this medical emergency could result in stroke, status epilepticus, or possibly death.

The nurse is performing an assessment on a client with a diagnosis of thrombotic stroke (brain attack). Which assessment question would elicit data specific to this type of stroke? 1."Have you had any headaches in the past few days?" 2."Have you recently been having difficulty with seeing at nighttime?" 3."Have you had any sudden episodes of passing out in the past few days?" 4."Have you had any numbness or tingling or paralysis-type feelings in any of your extremities recently?"

4. Cerebral thrombosis (thrombotic stroke) does not occur suddenly. In the few days or hours preceding the thrombotic stroke, the client may experience a transient loss of speech, hemiparesis, or paresthesias on 1 side of the body. Signs and symptoms of this type of stroke vary but may also include dizziness, cognitive changes, or seizures. Headache is rare, but some clients with stroke experience signs and symptoms similar to those of cerebral embolism or intracranial hemorrhage. The client does not complain of difficulty with night vision as part of this clinical problem. In addition, most clients do not have repeated episodes of loss of consciousness.

The nurse has a prescription to place a client with a herniated lumbar intervertebral disk on bed rest in Williams' position to minimize the pain. The nurse should put the bed in what position? 1.Flat with the knees raised 2.In high-Fowler's position, with the foot of the bed flat 3.In semi-Fowler's position, with the foot of the bed flat 4.In semi-Fowler's position, with the knees slightly flexed

4. Clients with low back pain often are more comfortable when placed in Williams' position. The bed is placed in semi-Fowler's position with the knee gatch raised sufficiently to flex the knees. This relaxes the muscles of the lower back and relieves pressure on the spinal nerve root. The remaining positions will not minimize the pain and may make the pain worse.

The nurse is caring for the client who suffered a spinal cord injury 48 hours ago. What should the nurse assess for when monitoring for gastrointestinal complications? 1.A history of diarrhea 2.A flattened abdomen 3.Hyperactive bowel sounds 4.Hematest-positive nasogastric tube drainage

4. Development of a stress ulcer can occur after spinal cord injury and can be detected by Hematest-positive nasogastric tube aspirate or stool. The client is also at risk for paralytic ileus, which is characterized by the absence of bowel sounds and abdominal distention. A history of diarrhea is irrelevant.

A client is suspected of having myasthenia gravis. Edrophonium is administered intravenously to determine the diagnosis. Which indicates that the client may have myasthenia gravis? 1.Joint pain following administration of the medication 2.Feelings of faintness, dizziness, hypotension, and signs of flushing in the client 3.A decrease in muscle strength within 30 to 60 seconds following administration of the medication 4.An increase in muscle strength within 30 to 60 seconds following administration of the medication

4. Edrophonium is a short-acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used as a diagnostic agent. When a client has suspected myasthenia gravis, the health care provider will administer an edrophonium test. When a dose is administered intravenously, an increase in muscle strength should be seen in 30 to 60 seconds. If no response occurs, another dose of edrophonium is given over the next 2 minutes, and muscle strength is tested again. If no increase in muscle strength occurs with this higher dose, the muscle weakness is not caused by myasthenia gravis. Clients receiving injections of this medication commonly demonstrate a drop in blood pressure, feel faint and dizzy, and are flushed.

A client with a complete heart block has had a permanent demand ventricular pacemaker inserted. The nurse assesses for proper pacemaker function by examining the electrocardiogram (ECG) strip for the presence of pacemaker spikes at what point? 1.Before each P wave 2.Just after each P wave 3.Just after each T wave 4.Before each QRS complex

4. If a ventricular pacemaker is functioning properly, there will be a pacer spike followed by a QRS complex. An atrial pacemaker spike precedes a P wave if an atrial pacemaker is implanted.

The nurse is assigned to care for a client with multiple sclerosis who is receiving an intravenous dose of methocarbamol. The nurse monitors the client knowing that which is an expected side effect? 1.Insomnia 2.Excitability 3.Hypertension 4.Dark green-colored urine

4. Methocarbamol is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It may cause the urine to turn a brown, black, or dark green color, and the client needs to be told that this is a harmless effect. This medication can cause hypotension. Drowsiness and dizziness can also occur. Therefore, the remaining options are incorrect.

Cardiac monitoring leads are placed on a client who is at risk for premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Which heart rhythm will the nurse anticipate in this client if PVCs are occurring? 1.A P wave preceding every QRS complex 2.QRS complexes that are short and narrow 3.Inverted P waves before the QRS complexes 4.Premature beats followed by a compensatory pause

4. PVCs are abnormal ectopic beats originating in the ventricles. They are characterized by an absence of P waves, the presence of wide and bizarre QRS complexes, and a compensatory pause that follows the ectopy.

A client in sinus bradycardia, with a heart rate of 45 beats per minute and blood pressure of 82/60 mm Hg, reports dizziness. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate will be prescribed? 1.Administer digoxin. 2.Defibrillate the client. 3.Continue to monitor the client. 4.Prepare for transcutaneous pacing.

4. Sinus bradycardia is noted with a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute. This rhythm becomes a concern when the client becomes symptomatic. Hypotension and dizziness are signs of decreased cardiac output. Transcutaneous pacing provides a temporary measure to increase the heart rate and thus perfusion in the symptomatic client. Defibrillation is used for treatment of pulseless ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Digoxin will further decrease the client's heart rate. Continuing to monitor the client delays necessary intervention.

The nurse is caring for a client who is brought to the hospital emergency department with a spinal cord injury. The nurse minimizes the risk of compounding the injury by performing which action? 1.Keeping the client on a stretcher 2.Logrolling the client onto a soft mattress 3.Logrolling the client onto a firm mattress 4.Placing the client on a bed that provides spinal immobilization

4. Spinal immobilization is necessary after spinal cord injury to prevent further damage and insult to the spinal cord. Whenever possible, the client is placed on a special bed, such as a Stryker frame, which allows the nurse to turn the client to prevent complications of immobility while maintaining alignment of the spine. If a Stryker frame is not available, a firm mattress with a bed board under it should be used. The remaining options are incorrect and potentially harmful interventions

The nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department who has sustained a head injury. The client momentarily lost consciousness at the time of the injury and then regained it. The client now has lost consciousness again. The nurse takes quick action, knowing that this sequence is compatible with which most likely condition? 1.Concussion 2.Skull fracture 3.Subdural hematoma 4.Epidural hematoma

4. The changes in neurological signs from an epidural hematoma begin with loss of consciousness as arterial blood collects in the epidural space and exerts pressure. The client regains consciousness as the cerebrospinal fluid is reabsorbed rapidly to compensate for the rising intracranial pressure. As the compensatory mechanisms fail, even small amounts of additional blood cause the intracranial pressure to rise rapidly, and the client's neurological status deteriorates quickly.

A client is brought into the emergency department in ventricular fibrillation (VF). The nurse prepares to defibrillate by placing defibrillation pads on which part of the chest? 1.The upper and lower halves of the sternum 2.Parallel between the umbilicus and the right nipple 3.The right shoulder and the back of the left shoulder 4.To the right of the sternum and to the left of the precordium

4. The nurse would place 1 gel pad to the right of the sternum just below the clavicle and the other gel pad to the left of the precordium. The nurse would then place the electrode paddles over the pads. The remaining options identify incorrect positions.

The nurse is caring for a client with spinal cord injury (SCI) who is participating in a bowel retraining program. What should the nurse anticipate to promote during the bowel retraining program? 1.Sufficiently low water content in the stool 2.Low intestinal roughage that promotes easier digestion 3.Constriction of the anal sphincter based on voluntary control 4.Stimulation of the parasympathetic reflex center at the S1 to S4 level in the spinal cord

4. The principal reflex center for defecation is located in the parasympathetic center at the S1 to S4 level of the spinal cord. This center is most active after the first meal of the day. Other factors that contribute to satisfactory stool passage are sufficient fluid and roughage in the diet and the Valsalva maneuver (which is lost with SCI). During defecation, the anal sphincter relaxes.

The home health nurse has been discussing interventions to prevent constipation in a client with multiple sclerosis. The nurse determines that the client is using the information most effectively if the client reports which action? 1.Drinking a total of 1000 mL/day 2.Giving herself an enema every morning before breakfast 3.Taking stool softeners daily and a glycerin suppository once a week 4.Initiating a bowel movement every other day, 45 minutes after the largest meal of the day

4. To manage constipation, the client should take in a high-fiber diet, bulk formers, and stool softeners. A fluid intake of 2000 mL/day is recommended. The client should initiate a bowel movement on an every-other-day basis and should sit on the toilet or commode. This should be done approximately 45 minutes after the largest meal of the day to take advantage of the gastrocolic reflex. A glycerin suppository, bisacodyl suppository, or digital stimulation may be used to initiate the process. Laxatives and enemas should be avoided whenever possible because they lead to dependence.

The home care nurse is preparing to visit a client with a diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia. When performing the assessment, the nurse should plan to ask the client which question to elicit the most specific information regarding this disorder? 1."Do you have any visual problems?" 2."Are you having any problems hearing?" 3."Do you have any tingling in the face region?" 4."Is the pain experienced a stabbing type of pain?"

4. Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by spasms of pain that start suddenly and last for seconds to minutes. The pain often is characterized as stabbing or as similar to an electric shock. It is accompanied by spasms of facial muscles that cause twitching of parts of the face or mouth, or closure of the eye. The remaining options do not elicit data specifically related to this disorder.

The nurse is teaching adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines to a group of laypeople. The nurse observes the group correctly demonstrate 2-rescuer CPR when which ratio of compressions to ventilations is performed on the mannequin? 1.10:1 2.15:2 3.20:1 4.30:2

4. When performing CPR on adults, the ratio of chest compressions to breaths should be 30:2 for both 1-rescuer and 2-rescuer CPR. The ratio of 15:2 is used for children and infants during 2-rescuer CPR.

A client has been prescribed cyclobenzaprine for the treatment of painful muscle spasms accompanying a herniated intervertebral disk. The nurse should withhold the medication and question the prescription if the client has a concurrent prescription for which medication? 1.Ibuprofen 2.Furosemide 3.Valproic acid 4.Tranylcypromine

4.The client should not receive cyclobenzaprine if the client has taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as tranylcypromine or phenelzine within the last 14 days. Otherwise, the client could experience hyperpyretic crisis, seizures, and possibly death. The medications in the remaining options are not contraindicated.

The client with a head injury opens eyes to sound, has no verbal response, and localizes to painful stimuli when applied to each extremity. How should the nurse document the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score?

9. The highest possible GCS score is 15. A score lower than 8 indicates that coma is present. Motor response points are as follows: Obeys a simple response = 6 Localizes painful stimuli = 5 Normal flexion (withdrawal) = 4 Abnormal flexion (decorticate posturing) = 3 Extensor response (decerebrate posturing) = 2 No motor response to pain = 1 Verbal response points are as follows: Oriented = 5 Confused conversation = 4 Inappropriate words = 3 Responds with incomprehensible sounds = 2 No verbal response = 1 Eye opening points are as follows: Spontaneous = 4 In response to sound = 3 In response to pain = 2 No response, even to painful stimuli = 1