1.
A female client has clear fluid leaking from the nose following a basilar skull fracture. The nurse assesses that this is cerebrospinal fluid if the fluid:
Correct Answer
D. Separates into concentric rings and test positive of glucose
Explanation
Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the ears or nose may accompany basilar skull fracture. CSF can be distinguished from other body fluids because the drainage will separate into bloody and yellow concentric rings on dressing material. called a halo sign. The fluid also tests positive for glucose.
2.
A male client with a spinal cord injury is prone to experiencing automatic dysreflexia. The nurse would avoid which of the following measures to minimize the risk of recurrence?
Correct Answer
D. Limiting bladder catheterization to once every 12 hours
Explanation
The most frequent cause of autonomic dysreflexia is a distended bladder. Straight catheterization should be done every four (4) to six (6) hours. and foley catheters should be checked frequently to prevent kinks in the tubing. Other causes include stimulation of the skin from tactile. thermal. or painful stimuli. The nurse administers care to minimize risk in these areas.Option A: Constipation and fecal impaction are other causes. so maintaining bowel regularity is important.
3.
The nurse is caring for the male client who begins to experience seizure activity while in beD. Which of the following actions by the nurse would be contraindicated?
Correct Answer
B. Restraining the client’s limbs
Explanation
The limbs are never restrained because the strong muscle contractions could cause the client harm. If the client is not in bed when seizure activity begins. the nurse lowers the client to the floor. if possible. protects the head from injury. and moves furniture that may injure the client. Other aspects of care are as described for the client who is in bed.Options A. C. and D: Nursing actions during a seizure include providing for privacy. loosening restrictive clothing. removing the pillow and raising side rails in the bed. and placing the client on one side with the head flexed forward. if possible. to allow the tongue to fall forward and facilitate drainage.
4.
The nurse is assigned to care for a female client with complete right-sided hemiparesis. The nurse plans care knowing that this condition:
Correct Answer
B. The client has weakness on the right side of the body. including the face and tongue.
Explanation
Hemiparesis is a weakness of one side of the body that may occur after a stroke. Complete hemiparesis is a weakness of the face and tongue. arm. and leg on one side. Complete bilateral paralysis does not occur in this condition.Options C and D: The client with right-sided hemiparesis has weakness of the right arm and leg and needs assistance with feeding. bathing. and ambulating.
5.
The client with a brain attack (stroke) has residual dysphagia. When a diet order is initiated. the nurse avoids doing which of the following?
Correct Answer
A. Giving the client thin liquids
Explanation
Before the client with dysphagia is started on a diet. the gag and swallow reflexes must have returned.Option B: Liquids are thickened to avoid aspiration.Option C: Food is placed on the unaffected side of the mouth.Option D: The client is assisted with meals as needed and is given ample time to chew and swallow.
6.
The nurse is assessing the adaptation of the female client to changes in functional status after a brain attack (stroke). The nurse assesses that the client is adapting most successfully if the client:
Correct Answer
D. Consistently uses adaptive equipment in dressing self
Explanation
Clients are evaluated as coping successfully with lifestyle changes after a brain attack (stroke) if they make appropriate lifestyle alterations. use the assistance of others. and have appropriate social interactions.Options A. B. and C are not adaptive behaviors.
7.
Nurse Kristine is trying to communicate with a client with brain attack (stroke) and aphasia. Which of the following actions by the nurse would be least helpful to the client?
Correct Answer
C. Completing the sentences that the client cannot finish
Explanation
Clients with aphasia after brain attack (stroke) often fatigue easily and have a short attention span. The nurse would avoid shouting (because the client is not deaf). appearing rushed for a response. and letting family members provide all the responses for the client.Options A. B. and D: General guidelines when trying to communicate with the aphasic client include speaking more slowly and allowing adequate response time. listening to and watching attempts to communicate. and trying to put the client at ease with a caring and understanding manner.
8.
A female client has experienced an episode of myasthenic crisis. The nurse would assess whether the client has precipitating factors such as:
Correct Answer
C. Omitting doses of medication
Explanation
Myasthenic crisis often is caused by under medication and responds to the administration of cholinergic medications. such as neostigmine (Prostigmin) and pyridostigmine (Mestinon). Option B: Cholinergic crisis (the opposite problem) is caused by excess medication and responds to withholding of medications. Options A and D: Too little exercise and fatty food intake are incorrect. Overexertion and overeating possibly could trigger.Options A and D: Too little exercise and fatty food intake are incorrect. Overexertion and overeating possibly could trigger a myasthenic crisis.Option B: Cholinergic crisis (the opposite problem) is caused by excess medication and responds to withholding of medications.
9.
The nurse is teaching the female client with myasthenia gravis about the prevention of myasthenic and cholinergic crises. The nurse tells the client that this is most effectively done by:
Correct Answer
D. Taking medications on time to maintain therapeutic blood levels
Explanation
Taking medications correctly to maintain blood levels that are not too low or too high is important.Option A: Overeating is a cause of exacerbation of symptoms. as is exposure to heat. crowds. erratic sleep habits. and emotional stress.Option B: Muscle-strengthening exercises are not helpful and can fatigue the client.Option C: Clients with myasthenia gravis are taught to space out activities over the day to conserve energy and restore muscle strength.
10.
A male client with Bell’s Palsy asks the nurse what has caused this problem. The nurse’s response is based on an understanding that the cause is:
Correct Answer
A. Unknown. but possibly includes ischemia. viral infection. or an autoimmune problem
Explanation
Bell’s palsy is a one-sided facial paralysis from compression of the facial nerve. The exact cause is unknown but may include vascular ischemia. infection. exposure to viruses such as herpes zoster or herpes simplex. autoimmune disease. or a combination of these factors.