During the examination of an unconscious patient, the nurse observes that the patient's pupils are fixed and dilated. What is the most plausible clinical significance of the nurse's finding?
A) It suggests onset of metabolic problems.
B) It indicates paralysis on the right side of the body.
C) It indicates paralysis of cranial nerve X.
D) It indicates an injury at the midbrain level.
Ans: D
Feedback:
Pupils that are fixed and dilated indicate injury at the midbrain level. This finding is not suggestive of unilateral paralysis, metabolic deficits, or damage to CN X.
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