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 B
Explanation
A. Lowering the client's legs is not effective in managing autonomic dysreflexia and may not alleviate the cause of the high blood pressure.
B. Checking for a full bladder is the priority because bladder distension is a common trigger for autonomic dysreflexia in clients with spinal cord injuries, and relieving it can reduce the severe hypertensive response.
C. Antihypertensives may be used if non-pharmacological measures fail, but addressing the cause is the first action.
D. Pain medication is not indicated as the immediate intervention for autonomic dysreflexia, as the priority is identifying and removing the trigger.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While monitoring serum electrolytes is important, it is secondary to assessing for immediate life-threatening conditions.
B. Monitoring for signs of shock is the priority, as Addisonian crisis can lead to severe hypotension and shock, which requires immediate intervention.
C. Monitoring daily weights can help assess fluid status but is not critical in the context of an impending crisis.
D. Monitoring intake and output is important for overall assessment but does not directly address the immediate risks associated with Addisonian crisis.