Prep U Ch 68
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?
Correct response: An area of bruising over the mastoid bone Explanation: Battle sign may indicate a skull fracture. A bloodstain surrounded by a yellowish stain on the head dressing is referred to as a halo sign and is highly suggestive of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Escape of CSF from the client's ear is termed otorrhea. Escape of CSF from the client's nose is termed rhinorrhea. Pg 2035
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?
Correct response: Basilar Explanation: Basilar skull fractures are suspected when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) escapes from the ears (CSF otorrhea) and/or the nose (CSF rhinorrhea). Pg2035
The nurse is caring for a patient in the emergency department with a diagnosed epidural hematoma. What procedure will the nurse prepare the patient for?
Correct response: Burr holes Explanation: An epidural hematoma is considered an extreme emergency; marked neurologic deficit or even respiratory arrest can occur within minutes. Treatment consists of making openings through the skull (burr holes) to decrease intracranial pressure emergently, remove the clot, and control the bleeding. Pg2037
Level of consciousness (LOC) can be assessed based on criteria in the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Which of the following indicators are assessed in the GCS? Select all that apply.
Correct response: Eye opening Verbal response Motor response Explanation: LOC can be assessed based on the criteria in the GCS, which include eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. The patient's responses are rated on a scale from 3 to 15. Intelligence and muscle strength are not measured in the GCS. Pg2039
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?
Correct response: Risk for injury Explanation: Because the client is disoriented and restless, the most important nursing diagnosis is Risk for injury. Although Disturbed sensory perception (visual), Dressing or grooming self-care deficit, and Impaired verbal communication may all be appropriate, they're secondary because they don't immediately affect the client's health or safety. pg2037
A client with a spinal cord injury is to receive methylprednisolone sodium succinate 100 mg intravenously twice a day. The medication is supplied in vials containing 125 mg per 2 mL. How many mL will constitute the correct dose? Enter the correct number ONLY.
Correct response: 1.6 Explanation: (100 mg/125 mg) x 2 mL = 1.6 mL. Pg2051
A client has been diagnosed with a concussion and is preparing for discharge from the ED. The nurse teaches the family members who will be caring for the client to contact the physician or return to the ED if the client demonstrates reports which complications? Select all that apply. -Headache -Slurred speech -Sleeps for short periods of time -Weakness on one side of the body -Vomiting
Correct response: -Slurred speech -Vomiting -Weakness on one side of the body Explanation: Clients are discharged from the hospital or ED once they return to baseline after a concussion. Monitoring includes observing the client for a decrease in level of consciousness (LOC), worsening headache, dizziness, seizures, abnormal pupil response, vomiting, irritability, slurred speech, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs. In general, the finding of headache in the client with a concussion is an expected abnormal observation. However, a severe headache, weakness of one side of the body, and difficulty waking the client should be reported or treated immediately. Pg2037
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?
Correct response: An area of bruising over the mastoid bone Explanation: Fractures of the base of the skull tend to traverse the paranasal sinus of the frontal bone or the middle ear located in the temporal bone Therefore, they frequently produce hemorrhage from the nose, pharynx, or ears, and blood may appear under the conjunctiva. An area of ecchymosis (bruising) may be seen over the mastoid (Battle sign). Basilar skull fractures are suspected when cerebrospinal fluis (CSF) escapes from the ears (CSF otorrhea) and the nose (CSF rhinorrhea). Drainage of CSF is a serious problem because meningeal infection can occur if organisms gain access to the cranial contents via the nose, ear, or sinus through a tear in the dura. A bloodstain surrounded by a yellowish stain on the head dressing is referred to as a halo sign and is highly suggestive of a CSF leak. Pg2035
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?
Correct response: An intracerebral hematoma Explanation: Intracerebral hemorrhage (hematoma) is bleeding within the brain, into the parenchyma of the brain. It is commonly seen in head injuries when force is exerted to the head over a small area (e.g., missile injuries, bullet wounds, stab injuries). A subdural hematoma (SDH) is a collection of blood between the dura and the brain, a space normally occupied by a thin cushion of cerebrospinal fluid. After a head injury, blood may collect in the epidural (extradural) space between the skull and the dura. Pg2037
You are a neurotrauma nurse working in a neuro ICU. What would you know is an acute emergency and is seen in clients with a cervical or high thoracic spinal cord injury after the spinal shock subsides?
Correct response: Autonomic dysreflexia Explanation: Autonomic dysreflexia is an acute emergency and is seen in clients with a cervical or high thoracic spinal cord injury, usually after the spinal shock subsides. Tetraplegia results in the paralysis of all extremities when there is a high cervical spine injury. Paraplegia occurs with injuries at the thoracic level. Areflexia is a loss of sympathetic reflex activity below the level of injury within 30 to 60 minutes of a spinal injury. Pg2057
The nurse is offering suggestions regarding reproductive options to a husband and paraplegic wife. Which option is most helpful?
Correct response: Conception is not impaired; the birth process is determined with the physician. Explanation: The nurse's role is to provide facts without inserting personal opinions. The fact is that the woman can conceive and bear children. Suggesting adoption, a surrogate, and sterilization is not appropriate. Providing information on that suggestion is appropriate. Pg2058
A 24-year-old female rock climber is brought to the emergency department after a fall from the face of a rock. The young lady is admitted for observation after being diagnosed with a contusion to the brain. The client asks the nurse what having a contusion means. How should the nurse respond?
Correct response: Contusions are bruising, and sometimes, hemorrhage of superficial cerebral tissue. Explanation: Contusions result in bruising, and sometimes, hemorrhage of superficial cerebral tissue. When the head is struck directly, the injury to the brain is called a coup injury. Dual bruising can result if the force is strong enough to send the brain ricocheting to the opposite side of the skull, which is called a contrecoup injury. Edema develops at the site of or in areas opposite to the injury. A skull fracture can accompany a contusion. Therefore options B, C, and D are incorrect. Pg2036
The nurse is evaluating the transmission of a report from a paramedic unit to the emergency room. The medic reports that a client is unconscious with edema of the head and face and Battle's sign. What clinical picture would the nurse anticipate?
Correct response: Edema to the head with bruising of the mastoid process Explanation: Battle's sign is the presence of bruising of the mastoid process behind the ear. It is not related to periorbital bleeding, lacerations, or fixed pupils.Pg2035
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?
Correct response: It allows for stabilization of the cervical spine along with early ambulation. Explanation: Halo devices provide immobilization of the cervical spine while allowing early ambulation. Pg2052
The nurse working on a neurological unit is mentoring a nursing student. The student asks about a client who has sustained a primary and and secondary brain injury. The nurse correctly tells the student which of the following, related to the primary injury?
Correct response: It results from initial damage to the brain from the traumatic event. Explanation: The primary injury results from the initial damage from the traumatic event. The secondary injury results from inadequate delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the cells, usually due to cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure. pg2034
A client in the intensive care unit (ICU) has a traumatic brain injury. The nurse must implement interventions to help control intracranial pressure (ICP). Which of the following are appropriate interventions to help control ICP?
Correct response: Keep the client's neck in a neutral position (no flexing). Explanation: To assist in controlling ICP in clients with severe brain injury, the following are recommended: elevate the head of the bed as prescribed (gravity helps drain fluid), maintain head/neck in neutral alignment (no twisting or flexing), give sedation as ordered to prevent agitation, and avoid noxious stimuli (scatter procedures so that client does not become overtired). pg2046
Which of the following is the earliest sign of increasing intracranial pressure (ICP)?
Correct response: Loss of consciousness Explanation: The earliest sign of increasing ICP is loss of consciousness. Other manifestations of increasing ICP are vomiting, headache, and posturing. Pg2034
The most important nursing priority of treatment for a patient with an altered LOC is to:
Correct response: Maintain a clear airway to ensure adequate ventilation. Explanation: The first priority of treatment for the patient with altered LOC is to obtain and maintain a patent airway. The patient may be orally or nasally intubated (unless basilar skull fracture or facial trauma is suspected), or a tracheostomy may be performed. Until the ability of the patient to breathe on his or her own is determined, a mechanical ventilator is used to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Pg2039
A client with tetraplegia cannot do his own skin care. The nurse is teaching the caregiver about the importance of maintaining skin integrity. Which of the following will the nurse most encourage the caregiver to do?
Correct response: Maintain a diet for the client that is high in protein, vitamins, and calories. Explanation: To maintain healthy skin, the following interventions are necessary: regularly relieve pressure, protect from injury, keep clean and dry, avoid wrinkles in the bed, and maintain a diet high in protein, vitamins, and calories to ensure minimal wasting of muscles and healthy skin. Pg2060
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
Correct response: Motor vehicle crashes Explanation: The most common causes of SCIs are motor vehicle crashes (46%), falls (22%), violence (16%), and sports (12%). Males account for 80% of clients with SCI. An estimated 50% to 70% of SCIs occur in those aged 15 to 35 years. Pg2048
A client has sustained a traumatic brain injury with involvement of the hypothalamus. The health care team is concerned about the complication of diabetes insipidus. Which of the following would be an appropriate nursing intervention to monitor for early signs of diabetes insipidus?
Correct response: Record intake and output. Explanation: A record of intake and output is maintained for the client with a traumatic brain injury, especially if the client has hypothalamic involvement and is at risk for the development of diabetes insipidus. Excessive output will alert the nurse to possible fluid imbalance early in the process. Pg 2042
The nurse is caring for a client immediately following a spinal cord injury (SCI). Which is an acute complication of SCI?
Correct response: Spinal shock Explanation: Acute complications of SCI include spinal and neurogenic shock and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The spinal shock associated with SCI reflects a sudden depression of reflex activity in the spinal cord (areflexia) below the level of injury. Cardiogenic shock is not associated with SCI. Tetraplegia is paralysis of all extremities after a high cervical spine injury. Paraplegia occurs with injuries at the thoracic level. Autonomic dysreflexia is a long-term complication of SCI. pg2053
Which of the following types of hematoma results from venous bleeding with blood gradually accumulating in the space below the dura?
Correct response: Subdural Explanation: A subdural hematoma results from venous bleeding, with blood gradually accumulating in the space below the dura. An epidural hematoma stems from arterial bleeding, usually from the middle meningeal artery, and blood accumulation above the dura. An intracerebral hematoma is bleeding within the brain that results from an open or closed head injury or from a cerebrovascular condition such as a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. A cerebral hematoma is bleeding within the skull. Pg2037
Which condition occurs when blood collects between the dura mater and arachnoid membrane?
Correct response: Subdural hematoma Explanation: A subdural hematoma is a collection of blooding between the dura mater and brain, a space normally occupied by a thin cushion of fluid. Intracerebral hemorrhage is bleeding in the brain or the cerebral tissue with displacement of surrounding structures. An epidural hematoma is bleeding between the inner skull and the dura, compressing the brain underneath. An extradural hematoma is another name for an epidural hematoma. Pg2037
A client has sustained a traumatic brain injury with involvement of the hypothalamus. The nurse is concerned about the development of diabetes insipidus. Which of the following would be an appropriate nursing intervention to monitor for early signs of diabetes insipidus?
Correct response: Take daily weights. Explanation: A record of daily weights is maintained for the client with a traumatic brain injury, especially if the client has hypothalamic involvement and is at risk for the development of diabetes insipidus. A weight loss will alert the nurse to possible fluid imbalance early in the process. pg2042
The nurse received the report from a previous shift. One of her clients was reported to have a history of basilar skull fracture with otorrhea. What assessment finding does the nurse anticipate?
Correct response: The client has cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leaking from the ear. Explanation: Otorrhea means leakage of CSF from the ear. The client with a basilar skull fracture can create a pathway from the brain to the middle ear due to a tear in the dura. As a result, the client can have cerebral spinal fluid leak from the ear. The nurse may assess clear fluid in the ear canal. Ecchymosis and periorbital edema can be present as a manifestation of bruising from the head injury. An elevated temperature may occur from the head injury and is monitored closely. The client may have serous drainage from the nose especially immediately following the injury.Pg2035
The Monro-Kellie hypothesis refers to which of the following?
Correct response: The dynamic equilibrium of cranial contents Explanation: The hypothesis states that because of the limited space for expansion within the skull, an increase in any one of the cranial contents (brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid) causes a change in the volume of the others. Akinetic mutism is the phrase used to refer to unresponsiveness to the environment. Cushing's response is the phrase used to refer to the brain's attempt to restore blood flow by increasing arterial pressure to overcome the increased intracranial pressure. Persistent vegetative state is the phrase used to describe a condition in which the patient is wakeful but devoid of conscious content, without cognitive or affective mental function. Pg2034
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?
Correct response: acute Explanation: Subdural hematomas are classified as acute, subacute, and chronic according to the rate of neurologic changes. Symptoms progressively worsen in a client with an acute subdural hematoma within the first 24 hours of the head injury. Pg2037
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?
Correct response: concussion Explanation: A concussion results from a blow to the head that jars the brain. It usually is a consequence of falling, striking the head against a hard surface such as a windshield, colliding with another person (e.g., between athletes), battering during boxing, or being a victim of violence. The force of the blow causes temporary neurologic impairment but no serious damage to cerebral tissue. There is generally complete recovery within a short time. Pg2037
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?
Correct response: maintain sufficient integument capillary pressure Explanation: Changing position every 2 hours relieves pressure over bony prominences and maintains sufficient capillary pressure to promote intact skin integrity. Pg2055
