prepu chapter 39

At which of the following spinal cord injury levels does the patient have full head and neck control?

C5

Family members of a client with traumatic brain injury are extremely distressed about their loved one. How can the nurse best assist the family to cope during this acute phase?

Provide factual information and emotional support.

An elderly woman found with a head injury on the floor of her home is subsequently admitted to the neurologic ICU. What is the best rationale for the following health care provider prescriptions: elevate the HOB; keep the head in neutral alignment with no neck flexion or head rotation; avoid sharp hip flexion?

To avoid impeding venous outflow

A client who is being treated in the hospital for a spinal cord injury is advocating for the removal of his urinary catheter, stating that he wants to try to resume normal elimination. What principle should guide the care team's decision regarding this intervention?

Urinary catheters often lead to urinary tract infections.

Which condition occurs when blood collects between the dura mater and arachnoid membrane?

Subdural hematoma

Autonomic dysreflexia can occur with spinal cord injuries above which of the following levels?

T6

A client who has been severely beaten is admitted to the emergency department. The nurse suspects a basilar skull fracture after assessing:

raccoon's eyes and Battle sign.

The ED nurse is receiving a client handoff report at the beginning of the nursing shift. The departing nurse notes that the client with a head injury shows Battle sign. The incoming nurse expects which to observe clinical manifestation?

An area of bruising over the mastoid bone

The nurse reviews the physician's emergency department progress notes for the client who sustained a head injury and sees that the physician observed the Battle sign. The nurse knows that the physician observed which clinical manifestation?

An area of bruising over the mastoid bone

A client with spinal cord injury has a nursing diagnosis of altered mobility and the nurse recognizes the increased the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following would be included as an appropriate nursing intervention to prevent a DVT from occurring?

Applying thigh-high elastic stockings

The nurse has implemented interventions aimed at facilitating family coping in the care of a client with a traumatic brain injury. How can the nurse best facilitate family coping?

Assist the family in setting appropriate short-term goals.

Which instructions should the nurse give a client who has been given a skeletal muscle relaxant for a herniated intervertebral disk?

Avoid driving or operating equipment.

The ED nurse is caring for a client who has been brought in by ambulance after sustaining a fall at home. What physical assessment finding is suggestive of a basilar skull fracture?

Bruising over the mastoid

The nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a cervical diskectomy the following day. During health education, the client should be made aware of what potential complications?

Hematoma at the surgical site

The nurse is planning the care of a patient with a TBI in the neurosurgical ICU. In developing the plan of care, what interventions should be a priority? Select all that apply.

Making nursing assessments Setting priorities for nursing interventions Anticipating needs and complications Initiating rehabilitation

Osmotic diuretics are an essential intervention for reducing cerebral edema. Which of the following drugs is most frequently prescribed for this situation?

Mannitol

An ED nurse has just received a call from EMS that they are transporting a 17-year-old man who has just sustained a spinal cord injury (SCI). The nurse recognizes that the most common cause of this type of injury is what?

Motor vehicle accidents

A client who suffered a spinal cord injury is experiencing an exaggerated autonomic response. What aspect of the client's current health status is most likely to have precipitated this event?

The client's urinary catheter became occluded.

A client was hit in the head with a ball and knocked unconscious. Upon arrival at the emergency department and subsequent diagnostic tests, it was determined that the client suffered a subdural hematoma. The client is becoming increasingly symptomatic. How would the nurse expect this subdural hematoma to be classified?

acute

Which are possible long-term complications of spinal cord injury? Select all that apply.

autonomic dysreflexia respiratory infection

A client is admitted with a cervical spine injury sustained during a diving accident. When planning this client's care, the nurse should assign highest priority to which nursing diagnosis?

Ineffective breathing pattern

A patient was body surfing in the ocean and sustained a cervical spinal cord fracture. A halo traction device was applied. How does the patient benefit from the application of the halo device?

It allows for stabilization of the cervical spine along with early ambulation.

Which nursing intervention can prevent a client from experiencing autonomic dysreflexia?

Monitoring the patency of an indwelling urinary catheter

The nurse recognizes that a client with a SCI is at risk for muscle spasticity. How can the nurse best prevent this complication of an SCI?

Perform passive ROM exercises as prescribed.

A 13 year old was brought to the ED after being hit in the head by a baseball and is subsequently diagnosed with a concussion. What assessment finding would rule out discharging the client?

The client's speech is slightly slurred.

The school nurse is giving a presentation on preventing spinal cord injuries (SCI). What should the nurse identify as prominent risk factors for SCI? Select all that apply.

Young age Male gender Alcohol or drug use

The earliest sign of serious impairment of brain circulation related to increased ICP is:

A change in consciousness.

A nurse is planning discharge education for a client who underwent a cervical diskectomy. What strategies would the nurse assess that would aid in planning discharge teaching?

Care of the cervical collar

A nurse is reviewing the trend of a client's scores on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). This allows the nurse to gauge what aspect of the client's status?

Level of consciousness

Which of the following would the nurse recognize as being the least likely reason for the procedure shown in the accompanying image?

To confirm a skull fracture

An osmotic diuretic, such as mannitol, is given to the patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) for which of the following actions?

To dehydrate the brain and reduce cerebral edema

A client who has sustained a nondepressed skull fracture is admitted to the acute medical unit. Nursing care should include which of the following?

Watchful waiting and close monitoring

Which of the following findings in the patient who has sustained a head injury indicate increasing intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Widened pulse pressure

Which of the following is a sign of increasing ICP?

Widening pulse pressure

A client with a T2 injury is in spinal shock. The nurse will expect to observe what assessment finding?

Absence of reflexes along with flaccid extremities

A client with quadriplegia is in spinal shock. What finding should the nurse expect?

Absence of reflexes along with flaccid extremities

A client suffers a head injury. The nurse implements an assessment plan to monitor for potential subdural hematoma development. Which manifestation does the nurse anticipate seeing first?

Alteration in level of consciousness (LOC)

A patient is admitted to the emergency room with a fractured skull sustained in a motorcycle accident. The nurse notes fluid leaking from the patient's ears. The nurse knows this is a probable sign of which type of skull fracture?

Basilar

Which of the following types of skull fractures may be evident by Battle's sign?

Basilar

A nurse is caring for a critically ill client with autonomic dysreflexia. What clinical manifestations would the nurse expect in this client?

Bradycardia and hypertension

A halo sign is indicative of which of the following complication of brain injury?

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak

While riding a bicycle in a race, a patient fell into a ditch and sustained a head injury. Another cyclist found the patient lying unconscious in the ditch and called 911. What type of concussion does the patient most likely have?

Grade 3 concussion

The nurse is caring for a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) caused by a traumatic brain injury. Which of the following clinical manifestations would indicate that the patient is experiencing increased brain compression causing brainstem damage?

Hyperthermia

A client is admitted to the neurologic ICU with a suspected diffuse axonal injury. What would be the primary neuroimaging diagnostic tool used on this client to evaluate the brain structure?

MRI

A client is admitted to the neurologic ICU with a spinal cord injury. When assessing the client the nurse notes there is a sudden depression of reflex activity in the spinal cord below the level of injury. What should the nurse suspect?

Spinal shock

The nurse is caring for a client immediately following a spinal cord injury (SCI). Which is an acute complication of SCI?

Spinal shock

The nurse is caring for a client with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Which clinical finding, observed during the reassessment of the client, causes the nurse the most concern?

Temperature increase from 98.0°F to 99.6°F

The nurse is caring for a client following a spinal cord injury who has a halo device in place. The client is preparing for discharge. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further instruction?

"I can apply powder under the liner to help with sweating."

The nurse is providing health education to a client who has a C6 spinal cord injury. The client asks why autonomic dysreflexia is considered an emergency. What would be the nurse's best answer?

"The sudden increase in BP can raise the ICP or rupture a cerebral blood vessel."

A patient sustained a head trauma in a diving accident and has a cerebral hemorrhage located within the brain. What type of hematoma is this classified as?

An intracerebral hematoma

The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a patient brought in by the rescue squad after falling from a second-story window. The nurse assesses ecchymosis over the mastoid and clear fluid from the ears. What type of skull fracture is this indicative of?

Basilar skull fracture

The nurse is planning the care of a client with a T1 spinal cord injury. The nurse has identified the diagnosis of "risk for impaired skin integrity." How can the nurse best address this risk?

Change the client's position frequently.

The nurse working on the neurological unit is caring for a client with a basilar skull fracture. During assessment, the nurse expects to observe Battle's sign, which is a sign of basilar skill fracture. Which of the following correctly decribes Battle's sign?

Ecchymosis over the mastoid

The school nurse has been called to the football field where player is immobile on the field after landing awkwardly on his head during a play. While awaiting an ambulance, what action should the nurse perform?

Ensure that the player is not moved.

Splints have been prescribed for a client who is at risk of developing footdrop following a spinal cord injury. The nurse should remove and reapply the splints when?

Every 2 hours

A client is admitted reporting low back pain. How will the nurse best determine if the pain is related to a herniated lumbar disc?

Have the client lie on the back and lift the leg, keeping it straight.

An 82-year-old man is admitted for observation after a fall. Due to his age, the nurse knows that the client is at increased risk for what complication of his injury?

Hematoma

A fall during a rock climbing expedition this morning has caused a 28-year-old woman to develop an epidural hematoma. Immediate treatment is being organized by the emergency department team because this woman faces a risk of serious neurological damage as a result of:

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP)

A client is admitted to the neurologic ICU with a C4 spinal cord injury. When writing the plan of care for this client, which of the following nursing diagnoses would the nurse prioritize in the immediate care of this client?

Ineffective breathing patterns related to weakness of the intercostal muscles

A 22-year-old man is being closely monitored in the neurological ICU after suffering a basal skull fracture during an assault. The nurse's hourly assessment reveals the presence of a new blood stain on the patient's pillow that is surrounded by a stain that is pale yellow in color. The nurse should follow up this finding promptly because it is suggestive of:

Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

The most important nursing priority of treatment for a patient with an altered LOC is to:

Maintain a clear airway to ensure adequate ventilation.

An older adult patient has been brought to the emergency department (ED) after being found unconscious by a neighbor. What action should be the ED nurse's highest priority in the care of this patient?

Maintain the patency of the patient's airway.

A client with a spinal cord injury has experienced several hypotensive episodes. How can the nurse best address the client's risk for orthostatic hypotension?

Monitor the client's BP before and during position changes.

An emergency department nurse has just received a call from EMS that they are transporting a 17-year-old male who has just sustained a spinal cord injury (SCI). The nurse recognizes that the most common cause of this type of injury is what?

Motor vehicle accidents

The nurse is discussing spinal cord injury (SCI) at a health fair at a local high school. The nurse relays that the most common cause of SCI is

Motor vehicle crashes

Which is the most common cause of spinal cord injury (SCI)?

Motor vehicle crashes

A client who is disoriented and restless after sustaining a concussion during a car accident is admitted to the hospital. Which nursing diagnosis takes the highest priority in this client's care plan?

Risk for injury

A client was hit in the head with a ball and knocked unconscious. Diagnostic testing determined that the client suffered a subdural hematoma with moderate symptoms. As the client is admitted to the ICU for observation, what would the neurologist order? Select all that apply.

acute

A public health nurse offers public education in high school classes on personal responsibility in preventing head injuries as a way of life. While avoiding alcohol and drugs not only complies with existing law for minors, it also is an available intervention to prevent head injuries. What other measures are available to prevent head injuries?

using seatbelts

A client has been diagnosed with a concussion and is to be released from the emergency department. The nurse teaches the family or friends who will be caring for the client to contact the physician or return to the ED if the client

vomits

A patient with spinal cord injury has a nursing diagnosis of altered mobility. Which of the following would be included as an appropriate nursing intervention to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from occurring?

Applying thigh-high elastic stockings

A neurologic flow chart is often used to document the care of a client with a traumatic brain injury. At what point in the client's care should the nurse begin to use a neurologic flow chart?

As soon as the initial assessment is made

A nurse is caring for a patient who is exhibiting signs and symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia. What clinical manifestations would the nurse expect in this patient?

Bradycardia and hypertension

A client with a herniated lumbar disc has asked about nonsurgical strategies to help with mobility. What strategies will the nurse teach the client? Select all that apply.

Muscle relaxants Weight reduction Physical therapy Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications

Following a spinal cord injury a client is placed in halo traction. While performing pin site care, the nurse notes that one of the traction pins has become detached. The nurse would be correct in implementing what priority nursing action?

Notify the neurosurgeon of the occurrence.

A client receives a diagnosis of concussion. While speaking with the client, the nurse learns that this is the client's third head injury. This information is of particular significance because it puts the client at risk for:

chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

While snowboarding, a fell and sustained a blow to the head, resulting in a loss of consciousness. The client regained consciousness within an hour after arrival at the ED, was admitted for 24-hour observation, and was discharged without neurologic impairment. What would the nurse expect this client's diagnosis to be?

concussion

A client is being admitted to a rehabilitation hospital as a result of the tetraplegia caused a stroke. The client's condition is stable, and after admission the client will begin physical and psychological therapy. An important part of nursing management is to reposition the client every 2 hours. What is the rationale behind this intervention?

maintain sufficient integument capillary pressure

A client with a head injury has been increasingly agitated and the nurse has consequently identified a risk for injury. What is the nurse's best intervention for preventing injury?

Pad the side rails of the client's bed.

The emergency department nurse is caring for a patient who has been brought in by ambulance after sustaining a fall at home. The patient is exhibiting an altered level of consciousness. Following a skull X-ray, the patient is diagnosed with a basilar skull fracture. Which sign should alert the nurse to this type of fracture?

Battle's sign

A patient comes to the emergency department with a large scalp laceration after being struck in the head with a glass bottle. After assessment of the patient, what does the nurse do before the physician sutures the wound?

Irrigates the wound to remove debris

A client's family is trying to understand the client's diagnosis of an acute subdural hematoma. The nurse would best explain the condition by stating that a subdural hematoma is:

a result of venous bleeding into the space below the dura.