NSG 233 Med Surg III Exam 2 Study Guide Questions and Answers (2025 / 2026) (Verified Answers), 100% Guaranteed Pass ||Complete A+ Guide

NSG 233 Med Surg III Exam 2 Study Guide
Questions and Answers ()
(Verified Answers), 100% Guaranteed Pass
||Complete A+ Guide

What is the cardinal behavioral sign of a frontal lobe traumatic brain
injury? - (correct answer) -Bizarre or irrational behavior.

What is the cardinal neurologic sign of a temporal lobe traumatic
brain injury? - (correct answer) -Amnesia or disorientation.

Upon discharge, which s/s would you teach the patient to return to
the emergency department if they begin experiencing? - (correct
answer) -- decreased LOC.

- worsening headache.

- Dizziness.

- Seizures.

- Abnormal pupil response.

- vomiting.

- irritability.

- slurred speech.

- weakness or numbness of the extremities.

What are the three cardinal signs of brain death? - (correct answer) -
1. coma.

2. absence of reflexes.

3. apnea.

,What GCS score indicates a severe traumatic brain injury? - (correct
answer) -A score of 3-8.

What are the three signs of the Cushing's Triad and what do they
indicate? - (correct answer) -1. Bradycardia (decreased heart rate).

2. Widening pulse pressure (SBP is rising).

3. Irregular respirations.



- Cushing's Triad indicates increased intracranial pressure.

What is a common electrolyte imbalance in patients who experience
a TBI? - (correct answer) -Hyponatremia (low sodium).



Normal sodium levels are 135-145 mEq/L.

What are some nursing interventions for a TBI? - (correct answer) --
Maintain a patent airway.

- monitor neurologic function (neuro checks).

- monitor vitals (look for Cushing's triad).

- POSITION HOB AT 30 DEGREES WITH THE NECK IN A NEUTRAL
POSITION TO PROTECT C-SPINE.

- assess motor function.

- monitor for fluid and electrolyte imbalances, especially sodium.

- promote adequate nutrition.

- maintain thermoregulation.

- maintain skin integrity.

- early administration of anticonvulsants.

,- maintain cerebral perfusion pressure.

What can hyponatremia cause? What precautions do we need to
place our patient on because of this? - (correct answer) -Seizures!



Seizure precautions.

What should cerebral perfusion pressure be maintained at? -
(correct answer) -Above 50 mmHg.

What are three common symptoms for a patient coming out of a
coma? - (correct answer) -1. agitation.

2. restlessness.

3. incontinence.



May also experience lethargy and stupor.

What do unilaterally dilated and poorly responding pupils indicate? -
(correct answer) -The development of a hematoma, with subsequent
pressure on the third cranial nerve due to shifting of the brain.

What is the medication Phenytoin (Dilantin) used for? - (correct
answer) -Used to control seizures!

What is an important patient teaching point for a young woman who
is taking Phenytoin? - (correct answer) -Oral contraceptives are less
effective when taking this medication. Therefore, you should use
other forms of contraception in addition to oral contraceptives if you
choose to be sexually active.

What are the side effects of Phenytoin and what are some patient
teaching points? - (correct answer) -S/E: nausea, vomiting,
drowsiness, lethargy, and ataxia.

, Pt teaching: maintain good oral hygiene to prevent gum disease!
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Also, use contraception, oral contraceptives are less effective when
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taking Phenytoin.
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What is Propofol and what is it used for? - (correct answer) -It is an
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IV anesthetic (sedative/hypnotic).
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Used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. It
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provides smooth hypnosis in less than one minute.
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It blocks the perception of pain by producing amnesia, euphoria,
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sand hypnosis. However, it does not provide analgesia.
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What are the two most common uses of Propofol for TBI patients? -
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(correct answer) -1. used to sedate patients who are placed on
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mechanical ventilation.
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2. suppresses laryngeal reflexes, making it a suitable choice when
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inserting supraglottic airway devices.
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Explain the difference between decorticate and decerebrate
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posturing. Which one is worse? - (correct answer) -Decorticate:
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hands turned inwards, arms folded in, feet and legs extended out.
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Decerebrate: arms extended with wrists rotated outwards, legs
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extended with feed internally rotated.
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Decerebrate is worse!!! s s




What is the primary factor that causes blood pressure to
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dysregulate in a patient who has suffered a spinal cord injury? -
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(correct answer) -Elevations of the head or position changes.
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