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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). PAD is a chronic condition related to reduced blood flow in peripheral arteries. It is not directly associated with MI complications.
B. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD involves acid reflux and is not related to post-MI complications.
C. Hypertension. While hypertension is a risk factor for MI, it does not directly explain the symptoms of shortness of breath and irregular heartbeats following an MI.
D. Heart Failure. Heart failure is a common post-MI complication, especially if a significant portion of heart muscle is damaged. Symptoms of shortness of breath and irregular heartbeats could indicate left-sided heart failure, where fluid backs up into the lungs, or right-sided failure, which can lead to systemic congestion.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Share personal items like razors and toothbrushes. Sharing personal items that may come in contact with blood or body fluids, like razors and toothbrushes, increases the risk of spreading hepatitis, so clients should avoid sharing these items.
B. Drink alcohol in moderation to avoid liver strain. Clients with hepatitis should avoid alcohol entirely, as alcohol can worsen liver inflammation and damage, which would strain the liver further.
C. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom. Hand hygiene is crucial, especially for hepatitis A, which can spread through fecal-oral transmission. Washing hands can prevent the spread of the virus to others.
D. Avoid all physical activities to conserve energy. Although clients may need to rest, they do not need to avoid all physical activity. Light, tolerated activity can help maintain strength and prevent complications from immobility.