A 45-year-old male patient present to the emergency department with a severe head injury following a car accident. His Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is 8, and he shows signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which of the following interventions should be prioritized to manage his ICP?
Administering mannitol intravenously
Encouraging the patient to hyperventilate
Administering a high-dose corticosteroid
Performing a lumbar puncture immediately
The Correct Answer is A
A. Administering mannitol intravenously: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that helps reduce ICP by drawing fluid out of brain tissue and decreasing cerebral edema, making it a priority intervention.
B. Encouraging the patient to hyperventilate: Controlled hyperventilation may reduce ICP temporarily by lowering CO₂ levels and causing cerebral vasoconstriction. However, it should only be done cautiously under close monitoring, and other ICP management techniques like mannitol administration take priority.
C. Administering a high-dose corticosteroid: Corticosteroids are generally ineffective for reducing ICP in traumatic brain injury and are typically not recommended in this scenario.
D. Performing a lumbar puncture immediately: Lumbar puncture is contraindicated in cases of increased ICP because it may lead to brain herniation due to the sudden release of pressure.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Use written communication or visual aids to supplement verbal instructions. Written communication and visual aids are effective ways to enhance understanding and provide clear instructions to a patient with hearing loss.
B. Speak loudly and directly into the patient's ear. Speaking loudly can distort sounds and may make it harder for the patient to understand. Instead, clear and slow speech with normal volume is recommended.
C. Turn off all background noise and speak to the patient from behind. While reducing background noise is beneficial, speaking from behind is ineffective as the patient cannot see the nurse’s facial expressions or read lips.
D. Assume the patient can read lips and avoid using sign language or gestures. Assuming the patient can read lips is not appropriate; gestures or other visual aids should be used to enhance communication.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Ciprofloxacin, Metronidazole, and Ranitidine: Ciprofloxacin and ranitidine are not recommended for H. pylori treatment. Ciprofloxacin is not typically used, and ranitidine is an H2 blocker, not a proton pump inhibitor.
B. Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin, and Omeprazole: This combination is a standard triple therapy for H. pylori infection. Amoxicillin and clarithromycin are antibiotics, and omeprazole (a proton pump inhibitor) reduces stomach acid to help eradicate the bacteria.
C. Metronidazole, Tetracycline, and Bismuth subsalicylate: This combination is part of quadruple therapy rather than triple therapy. Quadruple therapy is usually reserved for cases resistant to initial treatment.
D. Erythromycin, Amoxicillin, and Famotidine: Erythromycin is not part of standard triple therapy, and famotidine is an H2 blocker, not a proton pump inhibitor.