A CT scan reveals that a patient has an open basilar skull fracture. Which major complication should the nurse observe for in this patient?
a. Hematoma formation
b. Meningeal infection
c. Increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
d. Cognitive deficits
ANS: B
Individuals with an open basilar skull fractures should be observed for meningitis. Such a basilar skull fracture does not increase a patient's risk for hematoma formation, ICP, or cognitive defi-cits.
You might also like to view...
Most nurses have been taught to maintain direct eye contact when communicating with patients. However, some cultural groups do not usually value direct eye contact when communicating with the nurse
Which cultural group would most likely consider the direct eye contact impolite? A) African Americans B) Hispanics C) Canadians D) Native Americans
One reason for medication problems in the elderly is that _______________
a. Regular use of laxatives increases absorption of medications b. Decreased renal function slows excretion of drugs c. They have enhanced sense of taste of medications d. They have increased perception of pain from injections
A woman with severe gestational hypertension is receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate. Which assessment finding would indicate the need for further intervention?
a. Respiratory rate of 18/minute b. Absent deep tendon reflexes c. Urinary output of 60 mL/hour d. Blood pressure of 132/84 mm Hg
A nurse is informing a client at a long-term care (LTC) facility regarding Centers of
Excellence (COE) programs. What information should the nurse provide the client regarding the COE programs? A) Imparts care only to clients with mental illness B) Offers financial support for clients at LTC C) Assists in improving the quality of care at LTC D) Provides care for clients with specific disorders