what are the key signs of increased intracranial pressure icp that a nurse should monitor for

ATI LPN

ATI NCLEX PN Predictor Test

1. What are the key signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) that a nurse should monitor for?

A. Monitor for changes in level of consciousness
B. Check for pupil dilation
C. Assess for bradycardia
D. Monitor for vomiting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Monitor for changes in the level of consciousness.' Key signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) include changes in the level of consciousness and pupil dilation. Assessing for bradycardia and monitoring for vomiting are not typically considered primary signs of increased ICP. While bradycardia and vomiting can occur with increased ICP, they are not as specific or sensitive as changes in consciousness and pupil dilation.

2. A nurse is caring for a 37-year-old woman with metastatic ovarian cancer admitted for nausea and vomiting. The physician orders total parenteral nutrition (TPN), a nutritional consult, and diet recall. Which of the following is the BEST indication that the patient's nutritional status has improved after 4 days?

A. The patient eats most of the food served to her
B. The patient has gained 1 pound since admission
C. The patient's albumin level is 4.0mg/dL
D. The patient's hemoglobin is 8.5g/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An improved albumin level is the best indicator of improved nutritional status after TPN. Albumin is a key protein that reflects the body's overall nutritional status and is commonly used to assess nutritional health. Choices A, B, and D are not as reliable indicators of improved nutritional status. Choice A may not accurately reflect nutritional improvement as it could be influenced by factors other than nutrition. Choice B may indicate fluid retention or loss rather than true nutritional improvement. Choice D, hemoglobin level, is more related to anemia and oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, rather than nutritional status.

3. What are the risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and how can it be prevented?

A. Immobility and oral contraceptive use
B. Pregnancy and smoking
C. Obesity and varicose veins
D. Hypertension and high cholesterol

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Immobility and oral contraceptive use. Immobility and oral contraceptive use are significant risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Immobility leads to blood stasis, increasing the risk of clot formation, while oral contraceptive use can promote hypercoagulability. Prevention strategies for DVT include promoting mobility to enhance blood circulation and using anticoagulants to prevent clot formation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. While pregnancy and smoking can increase the risk of DVT, they are not the specific factors mentioned in the question. Similarly, obesity and varicose veins, as well as hypertension and high cholesterol, are not the primary risk factors associated with DVT.

4. What are the key interventions for managing pneumonia?

A. Administer antibiotics and monitor oxygen levels
B. Administer bronchodilators and encourage deep breathing
C. Provide fluids and monitor for dehydration
D. Administer oxygen and provide bed rest

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antibiotics and monitor oxygen levels. Antibiotics are essential to treat the infection caused by bacteria in pneumonia, while monitoring oxygen levels helps ensure adequate oxygenation. Administering bronchodilators and encouraging deep breathing, as in choice B, are more commonly associated with managing conditions like asthma or COPD, not pneumonia. Providing fluids and monitoring for dehydration, as in choice C, are important for various conditions but not specific to pneumonia management. Administering oxygen and providing bed rest, as in choice D, may be supportive measures in pneumonia treatment, but the key intervention is administering antibiotics.

5. A client is undergoing radiation therapy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent skin irritation?

A. Apply heat packs to the area
B. Use perfumed soap to cleanse the area
C. Keep the area moist with lotion
D. Avoid sun exposure to the treated area

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Avoiding sun exposure is crucial to prevent skin irritation and burns in clients undergoing radiation therapy. Radiation therapy makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of skin damage. Applying heat packs (choice A) can exacerbate skin irritation as heat can further irritate the skin that is already sensitive due to radiation. Using perfumed soap (choice B) can further irritate the skin due to its harsh chemicals, potentially worsening skin reactions. While keeping the area moist with lotion (choice C) may seem beneficial, some lotions contain ingredients that can worsen skin reactions during radiation therapy. Therefore, avoiding sun exposure to the treated area (choice D) is the most appropriate action to prevent skin irritation and damage during radiation therapy.