A nurse is caring for a client in an induced coma for increased intracranial pressure (ICP). What should the nurse assess next to determine this client's cerebral function?
Glasgow Coma Scale
Pupillary size and reaction
Blood pressure and heart rate
Gag Reflex
The Correct Answer is B
A. The Glasgow Coma Scale is useful for assessing consciousness levels but may not be as sensitive for changes in brainstem function in a patient already in an induced coma.
B. Assessing pupillary size and reaction provides critical information on brainstem function and can indicate changes in ICP. Changes in pupil size and reaction can signify worsening cerebral function or brain herniation.
C. Blood pressure and heart rate are vital signs that can suggest increased ICP, but they are not as direct an indicator of cerebral function as pupil assessment.
D. The gag reflex is important but does not provide as direct information about cerebral function related to ICP as pupillary assessment does.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The supine position can increase ICP and is not recommended for clients with elevated ICP.
B. Instructing the client to pull themselves up may increase ICP due to straining.
C. Log rolling helps maintain spinal alignment and minimizes abrupt head movement, which is essential in managing ICP.
D. Sitting with legs dangling may cause a sudden shift in intracranial pressure and is not advised for these clients.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Bradycardia is not a common finding in diabetes insipidus; rather, patients may experience tachycardia due to volume depletion.
B. Bounding peripheral pulses may occur in conditions with fluid overload, which is not typical in diabetes insipidus where there is a lack of fluid retention.
C. Urine specific gravity of 1.002 indicates dilute urine, which is consistent with diabetes insipidus, where the body fails to concentrate urine due to insufficient antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
D. Clients with diabetes insipidus typically experience polyuria, resulting in increased urine output rather than normal levels