nclex questions 4100 EXAM 4

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 Rationale: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.

The nurse is monitoring a client for signs and symptoms related to superior vena cava syndrome. Which is an early sign of this oncological emergency? 1.Cyanosis 2.Arm edema 3.Periorbital edema 4.Mental status changes

3 Rationale:Superior vena cava syndrome occurs when the superior vena cava is compressed or obstructed by tumor growth. Early signs and symptoms generally occur in the morning and include edema of the face, especially around the eyes, and client complaints of tightness of a shirt or blouse collar. As the compression worsens, the client experiences edema of the hands and arms. Cyanosis and mental status changes are late signs.

The nurse is preparing for the admission of a client with a suspected diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome. When the client arrives at the nursing unit, the nurse reviews the health care provider's documentation. The nurse expects to note documentation of which hallmark clinical manifestation of this syndrome? 1.Multifocal seizures 2.Altered level of consciousness 3.Abrupt onset of a fever and headache 4.Development of progressive muscle weakness

4 Rationale:A hallmark clinical manifestation of Guillain-Barré syndrome is progressive muscle weakness that develops rapidly. Seizures are not normally associated with this disorder. The client does not have symptoms such as a fever or headache. Cerebral function, level of consciousness, and pupillary responses are normal.

A client with a spinal cord injury becomes angry and belligerent whenever the nurse tries to administer care. The nurse should perform which action? 1.Ask the family to deliver the care. 2.Leave the client alone until ready to participate. 3.Advise the client that rehabilitation progresses more quickly with cooperation. 4.Acknowledge the client's anger and continue to encourage participation in care.

4 Rationale:Adjusting to paralysis is physically and psychosocially difficult for the client and family. The nurse recognizes that the client goes through the grieving process in adjusting to the loss and may move back and forth among the stages of grief. The nurse acknowledges the client's feelings while continuing to meet the client's physical needs and encouraging independence. The family also is in crisis and needs the nurse's support and should not be relied on to provide care. The nurse cannot simply neglect the client until the client is ready to participate. Option 3 represents a factual but noncaring approach to the client and is not therapeutic.

A postoperative craniotomy client who sustained a severe head injury is admitted to the neurological unit. What nursing intervention is necessary for this client? 1.Take and record vital signs every 4 to 8 hours. 2.Prophylactically hyperventilate during the first 24 hours. 3.Treat a central fever with the administration of antipyretic medications such as acetaminophen. 4.Keep the head of the bed elevated at least 30 degrees, and position the client to avoid extreme flexion or extension of the neck and head.

4 Rationale:Avoiding extreme flexion and extension of the neck can enhance venous drainage and help prevent increased intracranial pressure. As a general rule, hyperventilation is avoided during the first 24 hours postoperatively because it may produce ischemia caused by cerebral vasoconstriction. Vital signs need to be taken and recorded at least every 1 to 2 hours. Central fevers caused by hypothalamic damage respond better to cooling (hypothermia blankets, sponge baths) than to the administration of antipyretic medications.

The nurse manager is teaching the nursing staff about signs and symptoms related to hypercalcemia in a client with metastatic prostate cancer, and tells the staff that which is a late sign or symptom of this oncological emergency? 1.Headache 2.Dysphagia 3.Constipation 4.Electrocardiographic changes

4 Rationale:Hypercalcemia is a manifestation of bone metastasis in late-stage cancer. Headache and dysphagia are not associated with hypercalcemia. Constipation may occur early in the process. Electrocardiogram changes include shortened ST segment and a widened T wave.

A client has clear fluid leaking from the nose following a basilar skull fracture. Which finding would alert the nurse that cerebrospinal fluid is present? 1.Fluid is clear and tests negative for glucose. 2.Fluid is grossly bloody in appearance and has a pH of 6. 3.Fluid clumps together on the dressing and has a pH of 7. 4.Fluid separates into concentric rings and tests positive for glucose.

4 Rationale:Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the ears or nose may accompany basilar skull fracture. CSF can be distinguished from other body fluids because the drainage will separate into bloody and yellow concentric rings on dressing material, called a halo sign. The fluid also tests positive for glucose.

The nurse is providing care to a client with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which approach is beneficial in controlling the client's ICP from an environmental viewpoint? 1.Reduce environmental noise. 2.Allow visitors as desired by the client and family. 3.Awaken the client every 2 to 3 hours to monitor mental status. 4.Cluster nursing activities to reduce the number of interruptions.

1 Rationale:Nursing interventions to control ICP include maintaining a calm, quiet, and restful environment. Environmental noise should be kept at a minimum. Visiting should be monitored to avoid emotional stress and interruption of sleep. Interventions should be spaced out over the shift to minimize the risk of a sustained rise in ICP.

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

The nurse is caring for a client who is on bed rest as part of aneurysm precautions. The nurse should avoid doing which action when giving respiratory care to this client? 1.Encouraging hourly coughing 2.Assisting with incentive spirometer 3.Encouraging hourly deep breathing 4.Repositioning gently side to side every 2 hours

1 Rationale:With aneurysm precautions, any activity that could raise the client's intracranial pressure (ICP) is avoided. For this reason, activities such as straining, coughing, blowing the nose, and even sneezing are avoided whenever possible. The other interventions (repositioning, deep breathing, and incentive spirometry) do not provide added risk of increasing ICP and are beneficial in reducing the respiratory complications of bed rest.

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 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

1, 2, 3 Rationale: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.

The nurse is preparing a plan of care for a client with a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). On assessment, the nurse notes that the client is severely dysphagic. Which intervention should be included in the care plan for this client? Select all that apply. 1.Provide oral hygiene after each meal. 2.Assess swallowing ability frequently. 3.Allow the client sufficient time to eat. 4.Maintain a suction machine at the bedside. 5.Provide a full liquid diet for ease in swallowing.

1, 2, 3, 4 Rationale:A client who is severely dysphagic is at risk for aspiration. Swallowing is assessed frequently. The client should be given a sufficient amount of time to eat. Semisoft foods are easiest to swallow and require less chewing. Oral hygiene is necessary after each meal. Suctioning should be available for clients who experience dysphagia and are at risk for aspiration.

A client was seen and treated in the hospital emergency department for a concussion. The nurse determines that the family needs further teaching if they verbalize to call the health care provider (HCP) for which client sign or symptom? 1.Vomiting 2.Minor headache 3.Difficulty speaking 4.Difficulty awakening

2 Rationale:A concussion after head injury is a temporary loss of consciousness (from a few seconds to a few minutes) without evidence of structural damage. After concussion, the family is taught to monitor the client and call the HCP or return the client to the emergency department for signs and symptoms such as confusion, difficulty awakening or speaking, one-sided weakness, vomiting, and severe headache. Minor headache is expected.

A client has a high level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the bloodstream, as measured by arterial blood gases. The nurse anticipates that which underlying pathophysiology can occur as a result of this elevated CO2? 1.It will cause arteriovenous shunting. 2.It will cause vasodilation of blood vessels in the brain. 3.It will cause blood vessels in the circle of Willis to collapse. 4.It will cause hyperresponsiveness of blood vessels in the brain.

2 Rationale:CO2 is one of the metabolic end products that can alter the tone of the blood vessels in the brain. High CO2 levels cause vasodilation, which may cause headache, whereas low CO2 levels cause vasoconstriction, which may cause lightheadedness. The statements included in the other options are incorrect effects.

A client is admitted to the hospital emergency department after receiving a burn injury in a house fire. The skin on the client's trunk is tan, dry, and hard. It is edematous but not very painful. The nurse determines that this client's burn should be classified as which type? 1.Superficial 2.Full-thickness 3.Deep partial-thickness 4.Partial-thickness superficial

2 Rationale:Full-thickness burns involve the epidermis, the full dermis, and some of the subcutaneous fat layer. The burn appears to be a tan or fawn color, with skin that is hard, dry, and inelastic. Edema is severe, and the accumulated fluid compresses tissue underneath because of eschar formation. Some nerve endings have been damaged, and the area may be insensitive to touch, with little or no pain.

The nurse is performing the oculocephalic response (doll's eyes maneuver) on an unconscious client. The nurse turns the client's head and notes movement of the eyes in the same direction as the head. How should the nurse document these findings? 1.Normal 2.Abnormal 3.Insignificant 4.Inconclusive

2 Rationale:In an unconscious client, eye movements are an indication of brainstem activity and are tested by the oculocephalic response. When the doll's eyes maneuver is intact, the eyes move in the opposite direction when the head is turned. Abnormal responses include movement of the eyes in the same direction as the head and maintenance of a midline position of the eyes when the head is turned. An abnormal response indicates a disruption in the processing of information through the brainstem.

A client is seen in the ambulatory care clinic for a superficial burn to the arm. On assessing the skin at the burn injury, what will the nurse observe? 1.White color 2.Pink or red color 3.Weeping blisters 4.Insensitivity to pain and cold

2 Rationale:Superficial burns are pink or red without any blistering. The skin blanches to touch, may be edematous and painful, and heals on its own, usually within 1 week. A white color characterizes deep partial-thickness burns. Weeping blisters characterize partial-thickness superficial burns. Deep full-thickness burns are associated with insensitivity to pain and cold.

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 Rationale: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 develops a plan of care for a client with a brain aneurysm who will be placed on aneurysm precautions. Which interventions should be included in the plan? Select all that apply. 1.Leave the lights on in the client's room at night. 2.Place a blood pressure cuff at the client's bedside. 3.Close the shades in the client's room during the day. 4.Allow the client to drink 1 cup of caffeinated coffee a day. 5.Allow the client to ambulate 4 times a day with assistance.

2, 3 Rationale:Aneurysm precautions include placing the client on bed rest in a quiet setting. The use of lights is kept to a minimum to prevent environmental stimulation. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure and note any changes that could indicate rupture. Any activity, such as pushing, pulling, sneezing, or straining, that increases the blood pressure or impedes venous return from the brain is prohibited. The nurse provides physical care to minimize increases in blood pressure. Visitors, radio, television, and reading materials are restricted or limited. Stimulants, such as nicotine and coffee and other caffeine-containing products, are prohibited. Decaffeinated coffee or tea may be used.

The nurse is caring for a client following an autograft and grafting to a burn wound on the right knee. What would the nurse anticipate to be prescribed for the client? 1.Out-of-bed activities 2.Bathroom privileges 3.Immobilization of the affected leg 4.Placing the affected leg in a dependent position

3 Rationale:Autografts placed over joints or on the lower extremities after surgery often are elevated and immobilized for 3 to 7 days. This period of immobilization allows the autograft time to adhere to the wound bed. Getting out of bed, going to the bathroom, and placing the grafted leg dependent would put stress on the grafted wound.

A client has suffered a head injury affecting the occipital lobe of the brain. What is the focus of the nurse's immediate assessment? 1.Taste 2.Smell 3.Vision 4.Hearing

3 Rationale:The occipital lobe is responsible for reception of vision and contains visual association areas. This area of the brain helps the individual to visually recognize and understand the surroundings. The other senses listed are not a function of the occipital lobe.

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 Rationale: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 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 Rationale: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 Rationale: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 has suffered damage to Broca's area of the brain. Which priority assessment should the nurse perform? 1.Speech 2.Hearing 3.Balance 4.Level of consciousness

1 Rationale:Broca's area in the brain is responsible for the motor aspects of speech, through coordination of the muscular activity of the tongue, mouth, and larynx. The term assigned to damage in this area is aphasia. The items listed in the other options are not the responsibility of Broca's area.

The nurse reviews the health care provider's (HCP's) prescriptions for a client with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Which prescription written by the HCP should the nurse question? 1.Clear liquid diet 2.Bilateral calf measure 3.Monitor vital signs frequently 4.Passive range-of-motion (ROM) exercises

1 Rationale:Clients with Guillain-Barré syndrome have dysphagia. Clients with dysphagia are more likely to aspirate clear liquids than thick or semisolid foods. Passive ROM exercises can help prevent contractures, and assessing calf measurements can help detect deep vein thrombosis, for which these clients are at risk. Because clients with Guillain-Barré syndrome are at risk for hypotension or hypertension, bradycardia, and respiratory depression, frequent monitoring of vital signs is required.

The nurse is teaching a client with myasthenia gravis about the prevention of myasthenic and cholinergic crises. Which client activity suggests that teaching is most effective? 1.Taking medications as scheduled 2.Eating large, well-balanced meals 3.Doing muscle-strengthening exercises 4.Doing all chores early in the day while less fatigued

1 Rationale:Clients with myasthenia gravis are taught to space out activities over the day to conserve energy and restore muscle strength. Taking medications correctly to maintain blood levels that are not too low or too high is important. Muscle-strengthening exercises are not helpful and can fatigue the client. Overeating is a cause of exacerbation of symptoms, as is exposure to heat, crowds, erratic sleep habits, and emotional stress.

The nurse in the neurological unit is monitoring a client for signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The nurse reviews the assessment findings for the client and notes documentation of the presence of Cushing's reflex. The nurse determines that the presence of this reflex is obtained by assessing which item? 1.Blood pressure 2.Motor response 3.Pupillary response 4.Level of consciousness

1 Rationale:Cushing's reflex is a late sign of increased ICP and consists of a widening pulse pressure (systolic pressure rises faster than diastolic pressure) and bradycardia. The remaining options are unrelated to monitoring for Cushing's reflex.

The nurse is caring for a client after a craniotomy and monitors the client for signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which finding, if noted in the client, would indicate an early sign of increased ICP? 1.Confusion 2.Bradycardia 3.Sluggish pupils 4.A widened pulse pressure

1 Rationale:Early manifestations of increased ICP are subtle and often may be transient, lasting for only a few minutes in some cases. These early clinical manifestations include episodes of confusion, drowsiness, and slight pupillary and breathing changes. Later manifestations include a further decrease in the level of consciousness, a widened pulse pressure, and bradycardia. Cheyne-Stokes respiratory pattern, or a hyperventilation respiratory pattern, and pupillary sluggishness and dilatation appear in the late stages.

The nurse is preparing to care for a burn client scheduled for an escharotomy procedure being performed for a third-degree circumferential arm burn. The nurse understands that which finding is the anticipated therapeutic outcome of the escharotomy? 1.Return of distal pulses 2.Brisk bleeding from the site 3.Decreasing edema formation 4.Formation of granulation tissue

1 Rationale:Escharotomies are performed to relieve the compartment syndrome that can occur when edema forms under nondistensible eschar in a circumferential third-degree burn. The escharotomy releases the tourniquet-like compression around the arm. Escharotomies are performed through avascular eschar to subcutaneous fat. Although bleeding may occur from the site, it is considered a complication rather than an anticipated therapeutic outcome. Usually, direct pressure with a bulky dressing and elevation control the bleeding, but occasionally an artery is damaged and may require ligation. Escharotomy does not affect the formation of edema. Formation of granulation tissue is not the intent of an escharotomy.

The nurse is caring for a client with meningitis and implements which transmission-based precautions for this client? 1.Private room or cohort client 2.Personal respiratory protection device 3.Private room with negative airflow pressure 4.Mask worn by staff when the client needs to leave the room

1 Rationale:Meningitis is transmitted by droplet infection. Precautions for this disease include a private room or cohort client and use of a standard precaution mask. Private negative airflow pressure rooms and personal respiratory protection devices are required for clients with airborne disease such as tuberculosis. When appropriate, a mask must be worn by the client and not the staff when the client leaves the room.

A client receiving a transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) begins to vomit. The client's blood pressure is 90/50 mm Hg from a baseline of 125/78 mm Hg. The client's temperature is 100.8°F (38.2°C) orally from a baseline of 99.2°F (37.3°C) orally. The nurse determines that the client may be experiencing which complication of a blood transfusion? 1.Septicemia 2.Hyperkalemia 3.Circulatory overload 4.Delayed transfusion reaction

1 Rationale:Septicemia occurs with the transfusion of blood contaminated with microorganisms. Signs include chills, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, and the development of shock. Hyperkalemia causes weakness, paresthesias, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and dysrhythmias. Circulatory overload causes cough, dyspnea, chest pain, wheezing, tachycardia, and hypertension. A delayed transfusion reaction can occur days to years after a transfusion. Signs include fever, mild jaundice, and a decreased hematocrit level.

Members of the family of an unconscious client with increased intracranial pressure are talking at the client's bedside. They are discussing the client's condition and wondering whether the client will ever recover. The nurse intervenes on the basis of which interpretation? 1.It is possible the client can hear the family. 2.The family needs immediate crisis intervention. 3.The client might have wanted a visit from the hospital chaplain. 4.The family could benefit from a conference with the health care provider.

1 Rationale:Some clients who have awakened from an unconscious state have remembered hearing specific voices and conversations. Family and staff should assume that the client's sense of hearing is intact and act accordingly. In addition, positive outcomes are associated with coma stimulation-that is, speaking to and touching the client. The remaining options are incorrect interpretations.

Which intervention should the nurse include in a postoperative teaching plan for a client who underwent a spinal fusion and will be wearing a brace? 1.Tell the client to inspect the environment for safety hazards. 2.Inform the client about the importance of sitting as much as possible. 3.Inform the client that lotions and body powders can be used for skin breakdown. 4.Instruct the client to tighten the brace during meals and to loosen it for the first 30 minutes after each meal.

1 Rationale:The client must inspect the environment for safety hazards. The client is instructed in the importance of avoiding prolonged sitting and standing. Powders and lotions should not be used because they may irritate the skin. The client should be taught to loosen the brace during meals and for 30 minutes after each meal. The client may have difficulty eating if the brace is too tight. Loosening the brace after each meal will allow adequate nutritional intake and promote comfort.

The emergency department nurse is caring for a client who has sustained chemical burns to the esophagus after ingestion of lye. The nurse reviews the health care provider's prescriptions and should plan to question which prescription? 1.Gastric lavage 2.Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy 3.Nothing by mouth (NPO) status 4.Preparation for laboratory studies

1 Rationale:The client who has sustained chemical burns to the esophagus is placed on NPO status, is given IV fluids for replacement and treatment of possible shock, and is prepared for esophagoscopy and barium swallow to determine the extent of damage. Laboratory studies also may be prescribed. A nasogastric tube may be inserted, but gastric lavage and emesis are avoided to prevent further erosion of the mucosa by the irritating substances that these treatments involve.

A client who had cranial surgery 5 days earlier to remove a brain tumor has a few cognitive deficits and does not seem to be progressing as quickly as the client or family had hoped. The nurse plans to implement which approach as most helpful to the client and family at this time? 1.Emphasize progress in a realistic manner. 2.Set high goals to give the client something to "aim for." 3.Tell the family to be extremely optimistic with the client. 4.Inform the client and family of standardized goals of care.

1 Rationale:The most helpful approach by the nurse is to emphasize progress that is being made in a realistic manner. The nurse does not offer false hope but does provide factual information in a clear and positive manner. The nurse encourages the family to be realistic in their expectations and attitudes. The plan of care should be individualized for each client.

The nurse is reviewing a discharge teaching plan for a postcraniotomy client that was prepared by a nursing student. The nurse would intervene and provide teaching to the student if the student included which home care instruction? 1.Sounds will not be heard clearly unless they are loud. 2.Obtain assistance with ambulation if the client is lightheaded. 3.Tub bath or shower is permitted, but the scalp is kept dry until the sutures are removed. 4.Use a check-off system for administering anticonvulsant medications to avoid missing doses.

1 Rationale:The postcraniotomy client typically is sensitive to loud noises and can find them excessively irritating. Control of environmental noise by others will be helpful for this client. Seizures are a potential complication that may occur for up to 1 year after surgery. For this reason, the client must diligently take anticonvulsant medications. The client and family are encouraged to keep track of the doses administered. The family should learn seizure precautions and should accompany the client during ambulation if dizziness or seizures tend to occur. The suture line is kept dry until sutures are removed to prevent infection.

A thymectomy accomplished via a median sternotomy approach is performed in a client with a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. The nurse creates a postoperative plan of care for the client that should include which intervention? 1.Monitor the chest tube drainage. 2.Restrict visitors for 24 hours postoperatively. 3.Maintain intravenous infusion of lactated Ringer's solution. 4.Avoid administering pain medication to prevent respiratory depression.

1 Rationale:The thymus has played a role in the development of myasthenia gravis. A thymectomy is the surgical removal of the thymus gland and may be used for management of clients with myasthenia gravis to improve weakness. The procedure is performed through a median sternotomy or a transcervical approach. Postoperatively the client will have a chest tube in the mediastinum. Lactated intravenous solutions usually are avoided because they can increase weakness. Pain medication is administered as needed, but the client is monitored closely for respiratory depression. There is no reason to restrict visitor

The nurse is planning care for a client who displays confusion secondary to a neurological problem. Which approaches by the nurse would be helpful in assisting this client? Select all that apply. 1.Providing sensory cues 2.Giving simple, clear directions 3.Providing a stable environment 4.Keeping family pictures at the bedside 5.Encouraging family members to visit at the same time

1, 2, 3, 4 Rationale:Clients with cognitive impairment from neurological dysfunction respond best to a stable environment that is limited in amount and type of sensory input. The nurse can provide sensory cues and give clear, simple directions in a positive manner. Confusion can be minimized by reducing environmental stimuli (such as television or multiple visitors) and by keeping familiar personal articles (such as family pictures) at the bedside.

The nurse has just admitted to the nursing unit a client with a basilar skull fracture who is at risk for increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Pending specific health care provider prescriptions, the nurse should plan to place the client in which positions? Select all that apply. 1.Head midline 2.Neck in neutral position 3.Flat, with head turned to the side 4.Head of bed elevated 30 to 45 degrees 5.Head of bed elevated with the neck extended

1, 2, 4 Rationale:The client who is at risk for or who has increased ICP should be positioned so that the head is in a neutral, midline position. The nurse should avoid flexing or extending the client's neck or turning the head from side to side. The head of the bed should be raised to 30 to 45 degrees. Use of proper positions promotes venous drainage from the cranium to keep ICP down.

The nurse is planning to put aneurysm precautions in place for a client with a cerebral aneurysm. Which nursing measures would be implemented? Select all that apply. 1.Provide physical aspects of care. 2.Prevent pushing or straining activities. 3.Limit caffeinated coffee to 1 cup per day. 4.Keeping the lights on in the client's room. 5.Maintain the head of the bed at 15 degrees.

1, 2, 5 Rationale:Aneurysm precautions include placing the client on bed rest (as prescribed) in a quiet setting. Stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine are prohibited; decaffeinated coffee or tea may be used. Lights are kept dim to minimize environmental stimulation. Any activity that increases the blood pressure or impedes venous return from the brain is prohibited, such as pushing, pulling, sneezing, coughing, or straining. The nurse provides physical care to minimize increases in blood pressure. For the same reason, visitors, radio, television, and reading materials are prohibited or limited.

A client with a neurological problem is experiencing hyperthermia. Which measures would be appropriate for the nurse to use in trying to lower the client's body temperature? Select all that apply. 1.Giving tepid sponge baths 2.Applying a hypothermia blanket 3.Covering the client with blankets 4.Administering acetaminophen per protocol 5.Placing ice packs over the client's abdomen and in the axilla and groin

1, 2, 5 Rationale:Standard measures to lower body temperature include removing bed covers, providing cool sponge baths, using an electric fan in the room, administering acetaminophen, and placing a hypothermia blanket under the client. Ice packs are not used because they could cause shivering, which increases cellular oxygen demands, with the potential for increased intracranial pressure.

The nurse is planning to perform an assessment of the client's level of consciousness using the Glasgow Coma Scale. Which assessments should the nurse include in order to calculate the score? Select all that apply. 1.Eye opening 2.Reflex response 3.Best verbal response 4.Best motor response 5.Pupil size and reaction

1, 3, 4 Rationale:Assessment of pupil size and reaction and reflex response are not part of the Glasgow Coma Scale. The 3 categories included are eye opening, best verbal response, and best motor response. Pupil assessment and reflex response is a necessary part of a total assessment of the neurological status of a client but is not part of this particular scale.

The nurse is caring for a client with an intracranial aneurysm who has been alert. Which signs and symptoms are an early indication that the level of consciousness (LOC) is deteriorating? Select all that apply. 1.Mild drowsiness 2.Drooping eyelids 3.Ptosis of the left eyelid 4.Slight slurring of speech 5.Less frequent spontaneous speech

1, 4, 5 Rationale:Early changes in LOC relate to orientation, alertness, and verbal responsiveness. Mild drowsiness, slight slurring of speech, and less frequent spontaneous speech are early signs of decreasing LOC. Ptosis (drooping) of the eyelid is caused by pressure on and dysfunction of cranial nerve III. Once ptosis occurs, it is ongoing; it does not relate to LOC.

A client is diagnosed with a full-thickness burn. What should the nurse anticipate will be used for final coverage of the client's burn wound? 1.Biobrane 2.Autograft 3.Homograft 4.Xenograft

2 Rationale:A full-thickness burn will require terminal coverage with an autograft-the client's own skin. Biobrane is porcine collagen bonded to a silicone membrane, which is temporary and lasts anywhere from 10 to 21 days. Homografts (cadaveric skin) and xenografts (pigskin) provide temporary coverage of the wound by acting as a dressing for up to 3 weeks before rejecting.

The nurse is caring for the client with increased intracranial pressure. 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 Rationale: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 has made a judgment that a client who had a craniotomy is experiencing a problem with body image. The nurse develops goals for the client but determines that the client has not met the outcome criteria by discharge if the client performs which action? 1.Wears a turban to cover the incision 2.Indicates that facial puffiness will be a permanent problem 3.Verbalizes that periorbital bruising will disappear over time 4.States an intention to purchase a hairpiece until hair has grown back

2 Rationale:After craniotomy, clients may experience difficulty with altered personal appearance. The nurse can help by listening to the client's concerns and by clarifying any misconceptions about facial edema, periorbital bruising, and hair loss (all of which are temporary). The nurse can encourage the client to participate in self-grooming and use personal articles of clothing. Finally, the nurse can suggest the use of a turban, followed by a hairpiece, to help the client adapt to the temporary change in appearance.

The nurse is planning care for a client returning from the operating room after having an autograft applied to the right lower extremity. Which nursing intervention is focused on promoting graft "take"? 1.Monitor temperature every 4 hours. 2.Leave the dressing intact for 3 to 5 days. 3.Maintain the right lower extremity in a dependent position. 4.Apply an ice pack to the site to decrease edema formation.

2 Rationale:After surgery, graft sites are immobilized with bulky cotton pressure dressing for 3 to 5 days to allow vascularization, or "take," of the newly grafted skin. Dressings should not be disturbed. Elevation and complete rest of the grafted area is required to allow blood vessels to connect the graft with the wound bed. Any activity that might cause movement of the dressing against the body and separation of the graft from the wound is prohibited, such as application of an ice pack. Additionally, cold promotes vasoconstriction.

The student nurse develops a plan of care for a client after a lumbar puncture. The nursing instructor corrects the student if the student documents which incorrect intervention in the plan? 1.Maintain the client in a flat position. 2.Restrict fluid intake for a period of 2 hours. 3.Assess the client's ability to void and move the extremities. 4.Inspect the puncture site for swelling, redness, and drainage.

2 Rationale:After the lumbar puncture the client remains flat in bed for at least 2 hours, depending on the health care provider's prescriptions. A liberal fluid intake is encouraged to replace the cerebrospinal fluid removed during the procedure, unless contraindicated by the client's condition. The nurse checks the puncture site for redness and drainage and assesses the client's ability to void and move the extremities.

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 Rationale: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 myocardial infarction is developing cardiogenic shock. Because of the risk of myocardial ischemia, what condition should the nurse carefully assess the client for? 1.Bradycardia 2.Ventricular dysrhythmias 3.Rising diastolic blood pressure 4.Falling central venous pressure

2 Rationale:Classic signs of cardiogenic shock as they relate to myocardial ischemia include low blood pressure and tachycardia. The central venous pressure would rise as the backward effects of the severe left ventricular failure became apparent. Dysrhythmias commonly occur as a result of decreased oxygenation and severe damage to greater than 40% of the myocardium.

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 Rationale: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 planning care for a client who suffered a burn injury and has a negative self-image related to keloid formation at the burn site. The keloid formation is indicative of which condition? 1.Nerve damage 2.Hypertrophy of collagen fibers 3.Compromised circulation at the burn site 4.Increase in subcutaneous tissue at the burn site

2 Rationale:Keloids are visible as excessive scar formation and result from hypertrophy of collagen fibers. Nerves conduct sensory and motor impulses from the skin. The vasculature provides blood vessels with nourishment and assists in thermoregulation. Subcutaneous tissue provides for heat insulation, mechanical shock absorption, and caloric reserve.

The nurse is assessing the motor and sensory function of an unconscious client. The nurse should use which technique to test the client's peripheral response to pain? 1.Sternal rub 2.Nail bed pressure 3.Pressure on the orbital rim 4.Squeezing of the sternocleidomastoid muscle

2 Rationale:Nail bed pressure tests a basic motor and sensory peripheral response. Cerebral responses to pain are tested using a sternal rub, placing upward pressure on the orbital rim, or squeezing the clavicle or sternocleidomastoid muscle.

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 Rationale: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.

The nurse is administering fluids intravenously as prescribed to a client who sustained superficial partial-thickness burn injuries of the back and legs. In evaluating the adequacy of fluid resuscitation, the nurse understands that which assessment would provide the most reliable indicator for determining the adequacy? 1.Vital signs 2.Urine output 3.Mental status 4.Peripheral pulses

2 Rationale:Successful or adequate fluid resuscitation in the client is signaled by stable vital signs, adequate urine output, palpable peripheral pulses, and clear sensorium. However, the most reliable indicator for determining adequacy of fluid resuscitation, especially in a client with burns, is the urine output. For an adult, the hourly urine volume should be 30 to 50 mL.

A client with myasthenia gravis is having difficulty with airway clearance and difficulty with maintaining an effective breathing pattern. The nurse should keep which most important items available at the client's bedside? 1.Oxygen and metered-dose inhaler 2.Ambu bag and suction equipment 3.Pulse oximeter and cardiac monitor 4.Incentive spirometer and cough pillow

2 Rationale:The client with myasthenia gravis may experience episodes of respiratory distress if excessively fatigued or with development of myasthenic or cholinergic crisis. For this reason, an Ambu bag, intubation tray, and suction equipment should be available at the bedside.

The nurse has completed discharge instructions for a client with application of a halo device. Which statement indicates that the client needs further clarification of the instructions? 1."I will use a straw for drinking." 2."I will drive only during the daytime." 3."I will be careful because the device alters balance." 4."I will wash the skin daily under the lamb's wool liner of the vest."

2 Rationale:The halo device alters balance and can cause fatigue because of its weight. The client should cleanse the skin daily under the vest to protect the skin from ulceration and should avoid the use of powder or lotions. The liner should be changed if odor becomes a problem. The client should have food cut into small pieces to facilitate chewing and use a straw for drinking. Pin care is done as instructed. The client cannot drive at all because the device impairs the range of vision.

The nurse is positioning a client who has increased intracranial pressure. Which position should the nurse avoid? 1.Head midline 2.Head turned to the side 3.Neck in neutral position 4.Head of bed elevated 30 to 45 degrees

2 Rationale:The head of a client with increased intracranial pressure should be kept in a neutral midline position. The nurse should avoid flexing or extending the client's neck or turning the head from side to side. The head of the bed should be raised to 30 to 45 degrees. Use of proper positions promotes venous drainage from the cranium to keep intracranial pressure down.

The nurse is reviewing the record for a client seen in the health care clinic and notes that the health care provider has documented a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Which initial clinical manifestation of this disorder should the nurse expect to see documented in the record? 1.Muscle wasting 2.Mild clumsiness 3.Altered mentation 4.Diminished gag reflex

2 Rationale:The initial symptom of ALS is a mild clumsiness, usually noted in the distal portion of one extremity. The client may complain of tripping and drag one leg when the lower extremities are involved. Mentation and intellectual function usually are normal. Diminished gag reflex and muscle wasting are not initial clinical manifestations.

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 Rationale: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.

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 Rationale: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.

The nurse has applied a hypothermia blanket to a client with a fever. The nurse should inspect the skin frequently to detect which condition that is a complication of hypothermia blanket use? 1.Frostbite 2.Skin breakdown 3.Arterial insufficiency 4.Venous insufficiency

2 Rationale:When a hypothermia blanket is used, the skin is inspected frequently for pressure points, which over time could lead to skin breakdown. The hypothermia blanket decreases the blood flow to pressure areas and can cause numbness, making it so that the client is not aware of damage to the skin. The temperature of the blanket is not cold enough to cause frostbite. Arterial insufficiency and venous insufficiency are not complications of hypothermia blanket use.

The nurse is evaluating fluid resuscitation attempts in the burn client. Which finding indicates adequate fluid resuscitation? 1.Disorientation to time only 2.Heart rate of 95 beats/minute 3.+1 palpable peripheral pulses 4.Urine output of 30 mL over the past 2 hours

2 Rationale:When fluid resuscitation is adequate, the heart rate should be less than 120 beats/minute, as indicated in option 2. In addition, adequacy of fluid volume resuscitation can be evaluated by determining if urine output is at least 30 mL/hour, peripheral pulses are +2 or better, and the client is oriented to client, place, and time

The nurse is assigned to care for an 8-year-old child with a diagnosis of a basilar skull fracture. The nurse reviews the health care provider's (HCP's) prescriptions and should contact the HCP to question which prescription? 1.Obtain daily weight. 2.Provide clear liquid intake. 3.Nasotracheal suction as needed. 4.Maintain a patent intravenous line.

3 Rationale:A basilar skull fracture is a type of head injury. Nasotracheal suctioning is contraindicated in a child with a basilar skull fracture: Because of the nature of the injury, there is a possibility that the catheter will enter the brain through the fracture, creating a high risk of secondary infection. Fluid balance is monitored closely by daily weight determination, intake and output measurement, and serum osmolality determination to detect early signs of water retention, excessive dehydration, and states of hypertonicity or hypotonicity. The child is maintained on NPO (nothing by mouth) status or restricted to clear liquids until it is determined that vomiting will not occur. An intravenous line is maintained to administer fluids or medications, if necessary.

An adult client was burned in an explosion. The burn initially affected the client's entire face (anterior half of the head) and the upper half of the anterior torso, and there were circumferential burns to the lower half of both arms. The client's clothes caught on fire, and the client ran, causing subsequent burn injuries to the posterior surface of the head and the upper half of the posterior torso. Using the rule of nines, what would be the extent of the burn injury? 1.18% 2.24% 3.36% 4.48%

3 Rationale:According to the rule of nines, with the initial burn, the anterior half of the head equals 4.5%, the upper half of the anterior torso equals 9%, and the lower half of both arms equals 9%. The subsequent burn included the posterior half of the head, equaling 4.5%, and the upper half of posterior torso, equaling 9%. This totals 36%.

The nurse is caring for a client who has undergone a craniotomy and has a supratentorial incision. The nurse should place the client in which position postoperatively? 1.Head of bed flat, head and neck midline 2.Head of bed flat, head turned to the nonoperative side 3.Head of bed elevated 30 to 45 degrees, head and neck midline 4.Head of bed elevated 30 to 45 degrees, head turned to the operative side

3 Rationale:After supratentorial surgery, the head is kept at a 30- to 45-degree angle. The head and neck should not be angled either anteriorly or laterally but rather should be kept in a neutral (midline) position. This promotes venous return through the jugular veins, which will help prevent a rise in intracranial pressure.

The nurse is preparing to care for a client after a lumbar puncture. The nurse should plan to place the client in which best position following the procedure? 1.Prone in semi Fowler's position 2.Supine in semi Fowler's position 3.Prone with a small pillow under the abdomen 4.Lateral with the head slightly lower than the rest of the body

3 Rationale:After the procedure, the client assumes a flat position. If the client is able, a prone position with a pillow under the abdomen is the best position. This position helps reduce cerebrospinal fluid leakage and decreases the likelihood of post-lumbar puncture headache. The remaining options are incorrect.

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 Rationale: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.

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 health care provider (HCP). 4.Monitor the client's blood pressure and check for signs of increased intracranial pressure.

3 Rationale: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 HCP, because this finding requires immediate intervention. The remaining options are inappropriate nursing actions in this situation.

The nurse is reviewing the record of a child with increased intracranial pressure and notes that the child has exhibited signs of decerebrate posturing. On assessment of the child, the nurse expects to note which characteristic of this type of posturing? 1.Flaccid paralysis of all extremities 2.Adduction of the arms at the shoulders 3.Rigid extension and pronation of the arms and legs 4.Abnormal flexion of the upper extremities and extension and adduction of the lower extremities

3 Rationale:Decerebrate (extension) posturing is characterized by the rigid extension and pronation of the arms and legs. Option 1 is incorrect. Options 2 and 4 describe decorticate (flexion) posturing.

A client is undergoing fluid replacement after being burned on 20% of her body 12 hours ago. The nursing assessment reveals a blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg, a pulse rate of 110 beats/minute, and a urine output of 20 mL over the past hour. The nurse reports the findings to the health care provider (HCP) and anticipates which prescription? 1.Transfusing 1 unit of packed red blood cells 2.Administering a diuretic to increase urine output 3.Increasing the amount of intravenous (IV) lactated Ringer's solution administered per hour 4.Changing the IV lactated Ringer's solution to one that contains 5% dextrose in water

3 Rationale:Fluid management during the first 24 hours following a burn injury generally includes the infusion of (usually) lactated Ringer's solution. Lactated Ringer's solution is an isotonic solution that contains electrolytes that will maintain fluid volume in the circulation. Fluid resuscitation is determined by urine output and hourly urine output should be at least 30 mL/hour. The client's urine output is indicative of insufficient fluid resuscitation, which places the client at risk for inadequate perfusion of the brain, heart, kidneys, and other body organs. Therefore, the HCP would prescribe an increase in the amount of IV lactated Ringer's solution administered per hour. There is nothing in the situation that calls for blood replacement, which is not used for fluid therapy for burn injuries. Administering a diuretic would not correct the problem because fluid replacement is needed. Diuretics promote the removal of the circulating volume, thereby further compromising the inadequate tissue perfusion. Intravenous 5% dextrose solution is isotonic before administered but is hypotonic once the dextrose is metabolized. Hypotonic solutions are not appropriate for fluid resuscitation of a client with significant burn injuries.

The nurse is assisting the neurologist in performing an assessment on a client who is unconscious after sustaining a head injury. The nurse understands that the neurologist would avoid performing the oculocephalic response (doll's eyes maneuver) if which condition is present in the client? 1.Dilated pupils 2.Lumbar trauma 3.A cervical cord injury 4.Altered level of consciousness

3 Rationale:In an unconscious client, eye movements are an indication of brainstem activity and are tested by the oculocephalic response. When the doll's eyes maneuver is intact, the eyes move in the opposite direction when the head is turned. Abnormal responses include movement of the eyes in the same direction as that for the head and maintenance of a midline position of the eyes when the head is turned. An abnormal response indicates a disruption in the processing of information through the brainstem. Contraindications to performing this test include cervical-level spinal cord injuries and severely increased intracranial pressure.

A lumbar puncture is performed on a child suspected to have bacterial meningitis, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is obtained for analysis. The nurse reviews the results of the CSF analysis and determines that which results would verify the diagnosis? 1.Clear CSF, decreased pressure, and elevated protein level 2.Clear CSF, elevated protein, and decreased glucose levels 3.Cloudy CSF, elevated protein, and decreased glucose levels 4.Cloudy CSF, decreased protein, and decreased glucose levels

3 Rationale:Meningitis is an infectious process of the central nervous system caused by bacteria and viruses; it may be acquired as a primary disease or as a result of complications of neurosurgery, trauma, infection of the sinus or ears, or systemic infections. Meningitis is diagnosed by testing CSF obtained by lumbar puncture. In the case of bacterial meningitis, findings usually include an elevated pressure; turbid or cloudy CSF; and elevated leukocyte, elevated protein, and decreased glucose levels.

The nurse has instructed a client with myasthenia gravis about strategies for self-management at home. The nurse determines a need for further teaching if the client makes which statement? 1."Here's the MedicAlert bracelet I obtained." 2."I should take my medications an hour before mealtime." 3."Going to the beach will be a nice, relaxing form of activity." 4."I've made arrangements to get a portable resuscitation bag and home suction equipment."

3 Rationale:Most ongoing treatment for myasthenia gravis is done in outpatient settings, and the client must be aware of the lifestyle changes needed to maintain independence. The client should carry medical identification about the presence of the condition. Taking medications an hour before mealtime gives greater muscle strength for chewing and is indicated. The client should have portable suction equipment and a portable resuscitation bag available in case of respiratory distress. The client should avoid situations and other factors, including stress, infection, heat, surgery, and alcohol, that could worsen the symptoms.

A client with multiple sclerosis is experiencing muscle weakness, spasticity, and an ataxic gait. On the basis of this information, the nurse should include which client problem in the plan of care? 1.Inability to care for self 2.Interruption in skin integrity 3.Interruption in physical mobility 4.Inability to perform daily activities

3 Rationale:Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, nonprogressive, noncontagious degenerative disease of the central nervous system characterized by demyelination of the neurons. Interruption in physical mobility is most appropriate for the client with multiple sclerosis experiencing muscle weakness, spasticity, and ataxic gait. The remaining options are not related to the data in the question.

The home health nurse is visiting a client with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. The client has been taking oxybutynin. The nurse evaluates the effectiveness of the medication by asking the client which assessment question? 1."Are you consistently fatigued?" 2."Are you having muscle spasms?" 3."Are you getting up at night to urinate?" 4."Are you having normal bowel movements?"

3 Rationale:Oxybutynin is an antispasmodic used to relieve symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency, nocturia, and incontinence in clients with uninhibited or reflex neurogenic bladder. Expected effects include improved urinary control and decreased urinary frequency, incontinence, and nocturia. The questions in the remaining options are unrelated to the use of this medication.

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

The nurse is evaluating the status of a client who had a craniotomy 3 days ago. Which assessment finding would indicate that the client is developing meningitis as a complication of surgery? 1.A negative Kernig's sign 2.Absence of nuchal rigidity 3.A positive Brudzinski's sign 4.A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15

3 Rationale:Signs of meningeal irritation compatible with meningitis include nuchal rigidity, a positive Brudzinski's sign, and positive Kernig's sign. Nuchal rigidity is characterized by a stiff neck and soreness, which is especially noticeable when the neck is flexed. Kernig's sign is positive when the client feels pain and spasm of the hamstring muscles when the leg is fully flexed at the knee and hip. Brudzinski's sign is positive when the client flexes the hips and knees in response to the nurse gently flexing the head and neck onto the chest. A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 is a perfect score and indicates that the client is awake and alert, with no neurological deficits.

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? 1.GCS = 3 2.GCS = 6 3.GCS = 9 4.GCS = 11

3 Rationale:The GCS is a method for assessing neurological status. 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. Using the GCS, a score of 3 is given when the client opens the eyes to sound. Localization to pain is scored as 5. When there is no verbal response the score is 1. The total score is then equal to 9.

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 health care provider (HCP). 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 Rationale: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 HCP can be notified once initial interventions are done.

A client with Guillain-Barré syndrome has ascending paralysis and is intubated and receiving mechanical ventilation. Which strategy should the nurse incorporate in the plan of care to help the client cope with this illness? 1.Giving client full control over care decisions and restricting visitors 2.Providing positive feedback and encouraging active range of motion 3.Providing information, giving positive feedback, and encouraging relaxation 4.Providing intravenously administered sedatives, reducing distractions, and limiting visitors

3 Rationale:The client with Guillain-Barré syndrome experiences fear and anxiety from the ascending paralysis and sudden onset of the disorder. The nurse can alleviate these fears by providing accurate information about the client's condition, giving expert care and positive feedback to the client, and encouraging relaxation and distraction. The family can become involved with selected care activities and provide diversion for the client as well.

The nurse has provided instructions to a client with a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis about home care measures. Which client statement indicates the need for further teaching? 1."I will rest each afternoon after my walk." 2."I should cough and deep breathe many times during the day." 3."I can change the time of my medication on the mornings when I feel strong." 4."If I get abdominal cramps and diarrhea, I should call my health care provider."

3 Rationale:The client with myasthenia gravis and the family should be taught information about the disease and its treatment. They should be aware of the side and adverse effects of anticholinesterase medications and corticosteroids and should be taught that timing of anticholinesterase medication is critical. It is important to instruct the client to administer the medication on time to maintain a chemical balance at the neuromuscular junction. If it is not given on time, the client may become too weak to even swallow. Resting after a walk, coughing and deep-breathing many times during the day, and calling the health care provider when experiencing abdominal cramps and diarrhea indicate a correct understanding of home care instructions to maintain health with this neurological degenerative disease.

The nurse monitoring an oncological client assesses for which early sign of vena cava syndrome? 1.Cyanosis 2.Arm edema 3.Periorbital edema 4.Mental status changes

3 Rationale:Vena cava syndrome occurs when the superior vena cava is compressed or obstructed by tumor growth. Early signs and symptoms generally occur in the morning and include edema of the face, especially around the eyes, and client complaints of tightness of a shirt or blouse collar. As the compression worsens, the client experiences edema of the hands and arms. Mental status changes and cyanosis are late signs.

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)

3, 4, 5, 6 Rationale: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 includes hypoxia, ischemia, hypotension, and increased ICP that follows primary injury. It does not include fever or seizures.

The nurse is caring for a client with bacterial meningitis. The nurse should anticipate that an antibiotic with which characteristics will be prescribed for the client? 1.One that has a long half-life 2.One that acts within minutes to hours 3.One that can be easily excreted in the urine 4.One that is able to cross the blood-brain barrier

4 Rationale:A primary consideration regarding medications to treat bacterial meningitis is the ability of the medication to cross the blood-brain barrier. If the medication cannot cross, it will not be effective. The duration, onset, and excretion of the medication are also of general concern but apply to all medications and not specifically to those that are used to treat meningitis.

The nurse is assessing fluid balance in a client who has undergone a craniotomy. The nurse should assess for which finding as a sign of overhydration, which would aggravate cerebral edema? 1.Unchanged weight 2.Shift intake 950 mL, output 900 mL 3.Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 10 mg/dL (3.6 mmol/L) 4.Serum osmolality 280 mOsm/kg H2O (280 mmol/kg)

4 Rationale:After craniotomy the goal is to keep the serum osmolality on the high side of normal to minimize excess body water and control cerebral edema. The normal serum osmolality is 285 to 295 mOsm/kg H2O (285 to 295 mmol/kg). A higher value indicates dehydration; a lower value indicates overhydration. Stable weight indicates that there is neither fluid excess nor fluid deficit. A difference of 50 mL in intake and output for an 8-hour shift is insignificant. The BUN of 10 mg/dL (3.6 mmol/L) is within normal range and does not indicate overhydration or underhydration.

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 Rationale: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 caring for a client with intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. Which intervention is appropriate to include in the plan of care? 1.Place the client in Sims' position. 2.Change the drainage tubing every 48 hours. 3.Level the transducer at the lowest point of the ear. 4.Use strict aseptic technique when touching the monitoring system.

4 Rationale:Because there is a foreign body embedded in the client's brain, vigilant aseptic technique should be implemented. Sims' is a side-lying, flat position. With a client who has increased ICP, the head of the bed should be elevated at least 30 degrees to improve jugular outflow. The drainage tubing should not be routinely changed. It should remain for the duration of the monitoring. To obtain accurate ICP pressure readings, the transducer is zeroed at the level of the foramen of Monro, which is approximated by placing the transducer 1 inch above the level of the ear. Serial ICP readings should be done with the client's head in the same position.

The nurse is reviewing the record of a client with a suspected diagnosis of Huntington's disease. The nurse should expect to note documentation of which early symptom of this disease? 1.Aphasia 2.Agnosia 3.Difficulty with swallowing 4.Balance and coordination problems

4 Rationale:Early symptoms of Huntington's disease include restlessness, forgetfulness, clumsiness, falls, balance and coordination problems, altered speech, and altered handwriting. Difficulty with swallowing occurs in the later stages. Aphasia and agnosia do not occur.

The nurse has a prescription to begin aneurysm precautions for a client with a subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to aneurysm rupture. The nurse would plan to incorporate which intervention in controlling the environment for this client? 1.Keep the window blinds open. 2.Turn on a small spotlight above the client's head. 3.Make sure the door to the room is open at all times. 4.Prohibit or limit the use of a radio or television and reading.

4 Rationale:Environmental stimuli are kept to a minimum with subarachnoid precautions to prevent or minimize increases in intracranial pressure. For this reason, lighting is reduced by closing window blinds and keeping the door to the client's room shut. Overhead lighting also is avoided for the same reason. The nurse prohibits television, radio, and reading unless this is so stressful for the client that it would be counterproductive. In that instance, minimal amounts of stimuli by these means are allowed with approval of the health care provider.

The client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Which past medical history finding makes the client most at risk for this disease? 1.Meningitis or encephalitis during the last 5 years 2.Seizures or trauma to the brain within the last year 3.Back injury or trauma to the spinal cord during the last 2 years 4.Respiratory or gastrointestinal infection during the previous month

4 Rationale:Guillain-Barré syndrome is a clinical syndrome of unknown origin that involves cranial and peripheral nerves. Many clients report a history of respiratory or gastrointestinal infection in the 1 to 4 weeks before the onset of neurological deficits. On occasion, the syndrome can be triggered by vaccination or surgery.

The nurse in the neurological unit is caring for a client with a supratentorial lesion. The nurse assesses which measurement as the most critical index of central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction? 1.Temperature 2.Blood pressure 3.Ability to speak 4.Level of consciousness

4 Rationale:Level of consciousness is the most critical index of CNS dysfunction. Changes in level of consciousness can indicate clinical improvement or deterioration. Although blood pressure, temperature, and ability to speak may be components of the assessment, the client's level of consciousness is the most critical index of CNS dysfunction.

The nurse is caring for a client with an intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring device. The nurse should become most concerned if the ICP readings drifted to and stayed in the vicinity of which finding? 1.5 mm Hg 2.8 mm Hg 3.14 mm Hg 4.22 mm Hg

4 Rationale:Normal ICP readings range from 5 to 15 mm Hg pressure. Pressures greater than 20 mm Hg are considered to represent increased ICP, which seriously impairs cerebral perfusion.

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 Rationale: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 home health nurse visits a client recovering after an episode of cardiogenic shock secondary to an anterior myocardial infarction (MI) and provides home care instructions to the client. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of these home care measures? 1."I exercise every day after breakfast." 2."I've gained 8 pounds (3.6 kg) since discharge." 3."I take an antacid when I experience epigastric pain." 4."I have planned periods of rest at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily."

4 Rationale:The client recovering from an episode of cardiogenic shock secondary to an MI will require a progressive rehabilitation related to physical activity. The heart requires several months to heal from an uncomplicated MI. The complication of cardiogenic shock increases the recovery period for healing. Paced activities with planned rest periods will decrease the chance of experiencing angina or delayed healing. It is best to allow the meal to settle prior to activity in order to improve circulation to the heart during exercise. Epigastric pain or a weight gain of 8 pounds (3.6 kg) is significant and should be reported to the health care provider, at which point follow-up should occur.

A client who is being evaluated for thermal burn injuries to the arms and legs complains of thirst and asks the nurse for a drink. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate? 1.Allow the client to have full liquids. 2.Give the client small glasses of clear liquids. 3.Order the client a full meal tray with extra liquids. 4.Keep the client on NPO (nothing by mouth) status.

4 Rationale:The client should be maintained on NPO status because burn injuries frequently result in paralytic ileus. The client also should be told that fluids could cause vomiting because of the effect of the burn injury on gastrointestinal tract functioning. Mouth care should be given as appropriate to alleviate the sensation of thirst.

The nurse is admitting a client with Guillain-Barré syndrome to the nursing unit. The client has ascending paralysis to the level of the waist. Knowing the complications of the disorder, the nurse should bring which most essential items into the client's room? 1.Nebulizer and pulse oximeter 2.Blood pressure cuff and flashlight 3.Flashlight and incentive spirometer 4.Electrocardiographic monitoring electrodes and intubation tray

4 Rationale:The client with Guillain-Barré syndrome is at risk for respiratory failure because of ascending paralysis. An intubation tray should be available for use. Another complication of this syndrome is cardiac dysrhythmias, which necessitates the use of electrocardiographic monitoring. Because the client is immobilized, the nurse should assess for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism routinely. Although items in the incorrect options may be used in care, they are not the most essential items from the options provided.

The nurse is caring for a client who was admitted to the burn unit after sustaining a burn injury covering 30% of the body. What is the most appropriate time frame for the emergent phase? 1.The entire period of time during which rehabilitation occurs 2.The period from the time the client is stable to the time when all burns are covered with skin 3.The period from the time the burn was incurred to the time when the client is admitted to the hospital 4.The period from the time the burn was incurred to the time when the client is considered physiologically stable

4 Rationale:The emergent phase of burn care generally extends from the time the burn injury is incurred until the time when the client is considered physiologically stable. The acute phase lasts until all full-thickness burns are covered with skin. The rehabilitation period lasts approximately 5 years for an adult and includes reintegration into society.

A client with a traumatic brain injury is on mechanical ventilation. The nurse promotes normal intracranial pressure (ICP) by ensuring that the client's arterial blood gas (ABG) results are within which ranges? 1.PaO2 60 to 100 mm Hg (60 to 100 mm Hg), PaCo2 25 to 30 mm Hg (25 to 30 mm Hg) 2.PaO2 60 to 100 mm Hg (60 to 100 mm Hg), PaCo2 30 to 35 mm Hg (30 to 35 mm Hg) 3.PaO2 80 to 100 mm Hg (80 to 100 mm Hg), PaCo2 25 to 30 mm Hg (25 to 30 mm Hg) 4.PaO2 80 to 100 mm Hg (80 to 100 mm Hg), PaCo2 35 to 38 mm Hg (35 to 38 mm Hg)

4 Rationale:The goal is to maintain the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCo2) at 35 to 38 mm Hg (35 to 38 mm Hg). Carbon dioxide is a very potent vasodilator that can contribute to increases in ICP. The PaO2 is not allowed to fall below 80 mm Hg (80 mm Hg), to prevent cerebral vasodilation from hypoxemia, which can also result in an increase in ICP. Therefore, the remaining options are incorrect.

The nurse is caring for a client who sustained superficial partial-thickness burns on the anterior lower legs and anterior thorax. Which finding does the nurse expect to note during the resuscitation/emergent phase of the burn injury? 1.Decreased heart rate 2.Increased urinary output 3.Increased blood pressure 4.Elevated hematocrit levels

4 Rationale:The resuscitation/emergent phase begins at the time of injury and ends with the restoration of capillary permeability, usually at 48 to 72 hours following the injury. During the resuscitation/emergent phase, the hematocrit level increases to above normal because of hemoconcentration from the large fluid shifts. Hematocrit levels of 50% to 55% (0.50 to 0.55) are expected during the first 24 hours after injury, with return to normal by 36 hours after injury. Initially, blood is shunted away from the kidneys and renal perfusion and glomerular filtration are decreased, resulting in low urine output. The burn client is prone to hypovolemia and the body attempts to compensate by increased pulse rate and lowered blood pressure. Pulse rates are typically higher than normal, and the blood pressure is decreased as a result of the large fluid shifts.

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 Rationale: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.