ATI LPN
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017)
Chapter 69 Questions
Question 1 of 5
The critical care nurse is caring for a 25-year-old man admitted to the ICU with a brain abscess. What is a priority nursing responsibility in the care of this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Close neurologic monitoring is critical for brain abscess patients to detect changes like increased intracranial pressure. Independence, education, and mobility are secondary in acute care.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSV) has been admitted to the ICU. What medication would the nurse expect the physician to order for the treatment of this disease process?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acyclovir is an antiviral effective against HSV by inhibiting viral DNA replication. Cyclosporine, cyclobenzaprine, and ampicillin do not treat viral infections.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a 77-year-old woman with MS. She states that she is very concerned about the progress of her disease and what the future holds. The nurse should know that elderly patients with MS are known to be particularly concerned about what variables? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: Elderly MS patients worry about increasing disability, family burden, and potential nursing home placement due to progressive loss of function. Pain from therapy and appetite loss are not primary concerns.
Question 4 of 5
A male patient presents to the clinic complaining of a headache. The nurse notes that the patient is guarding his neck and tells the nurse that he has stiffness in the neck area. The nurse suspects the patient may have meningitis. What is another well-recognized sign of this infection?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A positive Kernig's sign, where leg extension causes pain due to meningeal irritation, is a classic sign of meningitis. Brudzinski's sign is positive, not negative, and reflexes or pupil reactions are not typical signs.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is admitted through the ED with suspected St. Louis encephalitis. The unique clinical feature of St. Louis encephalitis will make what nursing action a priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: St. Louis encephalitis is associated with SIADH, causing hyponatremia, so monitoring fluid balance is critical. Hemoglobin, glucose, and dermatomal pain are not specific to this condition.