Revision Notes
Successful achievement of patient outcomes for the patient with cranial surgery would best be
indicated by the
a) Ability to meet all self-care needs.
b) Acceptance of residual neurologic deficits.
c) Absence of signs and symptoms of increased ICP.
d) Initiation of oral intake 72 hours after surgery. - correct answer ✔✔c) Absence of signs and
symptoms of increased ICP.
When a patient is admitted to the emergency department following a head injury, the nurse's
first priority in management of the patient once a patent airway is confirmed is:
a) Maintaining cervical spine precautions.
b) Determining the presence of increased ICP.
c) Monitoring for changes in neurologic exam.
d) Establishing IV access with a large-bore catheter. - correct answer ✔✔a) Maintaining cervical
spine precautions.
A patient with a head injury has clear drainage from the ear. To determine whether CSF is
present in the drainage the nurse (Select on that apply):
a) Examines the tympanic membrane for a tear.
b) Tests the fluid with for a halo sign on a white dressing
c) Sends the drainage to the lab to check protein content.
, d) Tests the fluid with a glucose-identifying strip or stick - correct answer ✔✔b) Tests the fluid
with for a halo sign on a white dressing
d) Tests the fluid with a glucose-identifying strip or stick
The nurse recognizes the presence of Cushing's triad in the patient with:
a) Increased pulse, irregular respirations, increased BP
b) Decreased pulse, irregular respirations, increased pulse pressure
c) Increased pulse, decreased respiration, increased pulse pressure
d) Decreased pulse, increased respirations, decreased systolic BP - correct answer ✔✔b)
Decreased pulse, irregular respirations, increased pulse pressure
The earliest signs of increased ICP the nurse should assess for include:
a) Cushing's triad
b) Unexpected vomiting
c) Decreasing level of consciousness (LOC)
d) Dilated pupil with sluggish response to light - correct answer ✔✔c) Decreasing level of
consciousness (LOC)
A week following a spinal cord injury at T2, a patient experiences movement in his leg and tells
the nurse he is recovering some function. The nurse's best response to the patient is:
a) "It is really still too soon to know if you will have a return of function."
b) "That could be a really positive finding. Can you show me the movement?"
c) "That's wonderful. We will start exercising your legs more frequently now."