1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a closed head injury and has an intraventricular catheter placed. Which of
the following findings indicates
... [Show More] that the client is experiencing increased ICP?
a. Flat jugular veins
b. GCS score of 15
c. Sleepiness exhibited by the client
d. Widening pulse pressure
e. Decerebrate posturing
f. Flat jugular veins is incorrect. With increased ICP, the jugular veins are typically distended.
A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 is incorrect. A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15
indicates neurological functioning within the expected reference range for eye opening, motor,
and verbal response.
Sleepiness exhibited by the client is correct. Sleepiness or difficulty arousing the client from
sleep is an indication of increased ICP.
Widening pulse pressure is correct. A widening pulse pressure (increase in systolic with
concurrent decrease in diastolic blood pressure) is an indication of increased ICP.
Decerebrate posturing is correct. Both decerebrate and decorticate posturing indicate
increased ICP.
2. A nurse is preparing a client who has supraventricular tachycardia for elective cardioversion. Which of the
following prescribed medications should the nurse instruct the clients to withhold for 48hr prior to
cardioversion?
a. Enoxaparin
b. Metformin
c. Diazepam
d. Digoxin
e. Anticoagulants can be beneficial during cardioversion due to their ability to prevent
blood clots that can be released into the client's circulatory system after
cardioversion. This medication should not be withheld.
f. Metformin
g. Metformin might be withheld for a client scheduled for cardiac catheterization or
other procedures involving contrast dye in order to prevent damage to the kidneys.
However, metformin should not be withheld prior to cardioversion.
h. Diazepam
i. Sedatives are generally administered to clients prior to cardioversion to reduce
anxiety and minimize the discomfort associated with the procedure. This medication
should not be withheld.
j. Digoxin: ANSWER
k. Cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin, are withheld prior to cardioversion. These
medications can increase ventricular irritability and put the client at risk for
ventricular fibrillation after the synchronized countershock of cardioversion.
3. A nurse is assessing a client who has acute cholecystitis. which of the following findings is the nurse’s priority? [Show Less]