The nurse is caring for a client who sustained a head injury in a motor vehicle accident and is diagnosed with a subdural hematoma and increased intracranial pressure. Which nursing intervention is appropriate for this client?
Keeping the room brightly lit.
Encouraging coughing and deep breathing exercises.
Placing the client in a supine position.
Implementing seizure precautions.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Keeping the room brightly lit can be overstimulating and may increase ICP; therefore, a calm, dimly lit environment is preferable.
B. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing exercises could increase ICP and should be avoided unless specifically indicated.
C. Placing the client in a supine position is not recommended for clients with increased ICP; they should typically be positioned with the head elevated to promote venous drainage.
D. Implementing seizure precautions is critical as head injuries can lead to seizures, and ensuring the client's safety is a priority.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While reporting dizziness is important, it does not directly aid in managing vertigo episodes.
B. Instructing the client to get up slowly while turning their entire body helps to reduce vertigo symptoms by minimizing head movement, which can trigger or worsen dizziness in Meniere’s disease.
C. Driving is not recommended during symptomatic periods of vertigo, as it could be unsafe.
D. The logroll technique is typically used for clients with spinal issues rather than vertigo management in Meniere’s disease.