After evacuation of an epidural hematoma, a patient's ...

[lunatika]

After evacuation of an epidural hematoma, a patient's intracranial pressure (ICP) is being moni-tored with an intraventricular catheter. Which information obtained by the nurse is most im-portant to communicate to the health care provider?
 
  a. Pulse 102 beats/min
  b. Temperature 101.6 F
  c. Intracranial pressure 15 mm Hg
  d. Mean arterial pressure 90 mm Hg

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient who was admitted the previous day with a basilar skull fracture after a motor vehicle crash. Which assessment finding is most important to report to the health care provider?
 
  a. Complaint of severe headache
  b. Large contusion behind left ear
  c. Bilateral periorbital ecchymosis
  d. Temperature of 101.4 F (38.6 C)

[rnehls]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Infection is a serious consideration with ICP monitoring, especially with intraventricular cathe-ters. The temperature indicates the need for antibiotics or removal of the monitor. The ICP, arte-rial pressure, and apical pulse are all borderline high but require only ongoing monitoring at this time.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Patients who have basilar skull fractures are at risk for meningitis, so the elevated temperature should be reported to the health care provider. The other findings are typical of a patient with a basilar skull fracture.

[lunatika]

Thank you

[rnehls]

Happy to help you