MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

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NEUROLOGY

HEMIPARESIS

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
When performing a postoperative assessment on a client who has undergone surgery to manage increased intracranial pressure (ICP), a nurse notes an ICP reading of 0 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse perform first?
A
Document the reading because it reflects that the treatment has been effective.
B
Continue the assessment because no actions are indicated at this time.
C
Check the equipment.
D
Contact the physician to review the care plan.
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Signs and symptoms of increased ICP include change in level of consciousness, headache, irregular respirations, widening pulse pressure, bradycardia, projectile vomiting, abnormal pupils, and decerebrate or decorticate posturing.

Detailed explanation-2: -Increased ICP is an emergency. Treatment might include: Taking medicine to reduce swelling. Draining extra cerebrospinal fluid or blood around the brain.

Detailed explanation-3: -The answer is C. A ventriculostomy is a catheter inserted in the area of the lateral ventricle to assess ICP. It will help drain CSF during increase pressure readings and measure ICP. The nurse must monitor for ICP levels greater than 20 mmHg and report it to the doctor.

Detailed explanation-4: -When intracranial pressure becomes elevated, it is important to rule out new mass lesions that should be surgically evacuated. Medical management of increased intracranial pressure should include sedation, drainage of cerebrospinal fluid, and osmotherapy with either mannitol or hypertonic saline.

There is 1 question to complete.
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