Decreasing level of consciousness is a symptom of which of the following physiological phenomena?

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Pharmacology and the Nursing Process Test Bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

Decreasing level of consciousness is a symptom of which of the following physiological phenomena?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased ICP. Decreasing level of consciousness is a classic sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to the compression of the brain. As ICP rises, it impairs cerebral perfusion leading to altered mental status. Parasympathetic response (B) and sympathetic response (C) are related to autonomic nervous system functions, not consciousness. Increased cerebral blood flow (D) might lead to conditions like hyperemia but does not directly cause a decreased level of consciousness.

Question 2 of 9

Why does emotional counselling or helping the client perform common daily activities become important nursing care interventions in clients with Parkinson’s or Huntington’s diseases, or even epilepsy?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because clients with Parkinson's, Huntington's diseases, or epilepsy often experience emotional challenges such as depression and anxiety due to the impact of their conditions on their daily lives. Emotional counseling helps address these issues. Additionally, these clients may struggle with basic self-care activities due to motor and cognitive deficits, making it crucial for nurses to assist them in performing daily tasks. Choice B is incorrect as clients with these conditions may experience paralysis or motor impairments, but it is not a universal symptom. Choice C is incorrect because the question does not mention bone issues in Parkinson's, Huntington's diseases, or epilepsy. Choice D is incorrect as aggression and violence are not common symptoms in clients with these neurologic deficits.

Question 3 of 9

Which of the following groups of terms best describes a nurse-initiated intervention?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because nurse-initiated interventions involve autonomous actions based on clinical judgment to achieve client outcomes. Nurses assess, plan, and implement care independently. Choice A involves physician orders, not nurse-initiated actions. Choice C relates to medical treatment, not nursing interventions. Choice D focuses on collaboration with other providers, not solely nurse-initiated actions. In summary, only choice B aligns with the independent and outcome-focused nature of nurse-initiated interventions.

Question 4 of 9

To reduce symptoms of early morning stiffness in a ptient who has rheumatoid arthritis, the nurse can encourage the patient to:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: take a hot tub bath or shower in the morning. This is effective as the warm water helps to relax muscles and joints, reducing stiffness. It also improves circulation, which can alleviate morning stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Incorrect choices: B: Putting joints through passive ROM before active movement may exacerbate stiffness if not done properly. C: Sleeping with a hot pad may provide temporary relief but does not address the root cause of morning stiffness. D: Taking aspirin can help with pain but does not directly address stiffness. Waiting 15 minutes before moving may not be as effective as soaking in warm water.

Question 5 of 9

20-year old Mr. Ang fell off from his horse, and sustained a lft hip fracture. Buck’s extension traction is applied. The following statements are true about Buck’s extension traction except:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because Buck's extension traction is not used definitively to treat fractures in children due to their growing bones. Instead, it is used temporarily in adults to control muscle spasm and pain. - A: Correct - Buck's extension traction is indeed used temporarily in adults to control muscle spasm and pain. - B: Correct - Buck's extension traction is applied by an orthopedic surgeon under aseptic conditions using wires and pins. - C: Correct - The pulling force in Buck's extension traction is indeed transmitted to the musculoskeletal structures. Therefore, the incorrect option is D as Buck's extension traction is not used definitively to treat fractures in children.

Question 6 of 9

An adult is brought in by ambulance after a motor vehicle accident. He is unconscious, on a backboard with his neck immobilized. He is bleeding profusely from a large gash on his right thigh. What is the first action the nurse should take?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Check his airway. Ensuring a patent airway is the priority in trauma care to maintain oxygenation and ventilation. With the patient unconscious and bleeding profusely, airway obstruction or compromise is a critical concern. By checking the airway first, the nurse can quickly assess and address any immediate threats to the patient's breathing. Stopping the bleeding (choice A) can be addressed once the airway is secured. Taking vital signs (choice B) and finding out what happened from eyewitnesses (choice D) can be important but are secondary to ensuring the patient's airway is clear and unobstructed.

Question 7 of 9

A nurse has been caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What should the nurse focus on during the evaluation phase?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because during the evaluation phase of nursing care for a client with COPD, the nurse should review the client's progress toward meeting the goals set during the planning phase. This involves assessing whether the interventions implemented are effective in improving the client's condition and if the goals are being achieved. This step is crucial in determining the overall effectiveness of the care provided and making any necessary adjustments to the plan. A: Documenting interventions is important but not the primary focus during the evaluation phase. C: Delegating further care is not typically done during the evaluation phase as it is more about assessing the current care plan. D: Ensuring compliance with physician orders is important but does not encompass the holistic evaluation of the client's progress towards goals.

Question 8 of 9

A narcotic analgesic is ordered for postoperative pain. Why are narcotics given in low doses to the laryngectomy patient?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because narcotics in high doses can depress the respiratory rate and cough reflex, which can be especially dangerous for a laryngectomy patient due to the risk of airway compromise. Low doses can provide pain relief without significant respiratory depression. Choices B and C are incorrect because narcotics typically do not increase respiratory tract secretions or cause stomal edema. Choice D is incorrect because while narcotics can potentially cause addiction, this is not the primary reason for giving low doses to laryngectomy patients.

Question 9 of 9

Mrs. Tan is scheduled to undergo percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Which of the following is the priority goal for her immediately after the procedure?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: maintain blood pressure control. After PTCA, the priority goal is to ensure stable hemodynamics. Maintaining blood pressure control is crucial to prevent complications such as bleeding or thrombosis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because preventing fluid volume deficit, decreasing myocardial contractility, and minimizing dyspnea are not immediate priorities post-PTCA. Oxygenation and hemodynamic stability take precedence over these concerns.

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