A nurse is caring for a client who is demonstrating signs of increasing intracranial pressure (ICP). The nurse recognizes that which nursing actions are indicated to decrease ICP?
Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees.
Administer intravenous fluids rapidly to increase intravascular volume.
Keep the client in a calm and quiet environment.
Administer morphine sulfate as prescribed for pain relief.
Allow the client to perform Valsalva maneuver.
Correct Answer : A,C,D
A. Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees helps facilitate venous drainage from the brain, thereby reducing ICP.
B. Administering intravenous fluids rapidly is not appropriate, as it can lead to fluid overload and increase ICP.
C. Keeping the client in a calm and quiet environment minimizes stimulation, which can contribute to increased ICP.
D. Administering morphine sulfate as prescribed can provide pain relief, which may help decrease ICP since pain can contribute to increased intracranial pressure.
E. The Valsalva maneuver increases intrathoracic pressure and can lead to increased ICP, making it contraindicated in this scenario.
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. While noting the time of day is important for documentation, it does not address the immediate concern of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).
B. Applying normal saline drops is not indicated in the immediate management of elevated IOP in glaucoma; it does not directly affect IOP levels.
C. Instructing the client to sleep with the head of the bed flat is not advisable, as elevated head positions may help decrease IOP.
D. An IOP of 23 mm Hg is above the normal range (10-21 mm Hg) and indicates potential glaucoma. Therefore, contacting the primary health care provider for further evaluation and treatment is the most appropriate initial action.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Mastoiditis often results in inflammation and infection that extend to the middle ear, causing the tympanic membrane to appear red, dull, thickened, and immobile upon examination.
B. A transparent and clear tympanic membrane is typical in a healthy ear, not in cases of mastoiditis.
C. A pearly colored tympanic membrane is also indicative of a normal, healthy ear without infection.
D. A pink-colored tympanic membrane may suggest mild irritation but is not a characteristic finding of mastoiditis.