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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View Related questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Reducing body weight can relieve pressure on the lumbar spine, which can help decrease pain and improve function.
B. Avoiding painful positions helps prevent exacerbation of symptoms and protects the affected area.
C. Physical therapy is an important part of conservative treatment to strengthen supporting muscles, improve flexibility, and promote recovery. Chiropractic therapy may be recommended but should be guided by a physician's recommendation.
D. NSAIDs are commonly prescribed to manage inflammation and relieve pain associated with lumbar herniated disks.
E. Corticosteroids may be prescribed in some cases but are generally not part of initial conservative management unless inflammation is severe and not managed by NSAIDs.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The primary purpose of administering an osmotic diuretic, such as mannitol, is to lower ICP by promoting diuresis, which results in increased urinary output and decreases fluid volume in the brain.
B. Osmotic diuretics do not specifically reduce cerebral blood flow; rather, they work by reducing fluid volume and thus intracranial pressure.
C. While osmotic diuretics can help manage edema, their primary role is not solely to prevent the formation of cerebral edema but to actively reduce existing pressure.
D. Osmotic diuretics do not directly decrease brain oxygen consumption; their main function is to create an osmotic gradient that pulls fluid from the brain to reduce ICP.