Author Question: The nurse becomes concerned when a client who sustained a head injury from a motor vehicle crash ... (Read 127 times)

Zulu123 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse becomes concerned when a client who sustained a head injury from a motor vehicle crash begins to demonstrate an abnormal posture. (See image). What does this posture suggest to the nurse about the client's brain functioning?

A) Altered level of consciousness
B) Developing a seizure disorder
C) Brain stem impairment
D) Corticospinal tract impairment

Question 2

The nurse is providing instructions to a client who is prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Which information is priority for the nurse to explain to the client about this medication?

A) Take your medication on an empty stomach.
B) Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day while taking your medication.
C) Constipation is common with your medication; include roughage in your diet.
D) Take your medication with food.

kbennett34 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: C
Brain function deterioration usually follows a predictable progression in which higher levels of function are impaired first and progress to impairment of more primitive functions. Altered level of consciousness (LOC) is an early manifestation of the deterioration of the function of the cerebral hemispheres. Seizure disorders have various types of motor postures. Structures in the brainstem have characteristic changes in motor function. Evidence of brainstem involvement includes decerebrate posturing that is distinguished by rigid extension. Corticospinal tract impairment is characterized by decorticate posturing which is rigid flexion.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: B

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are nephrotoxic; keeping the client well hydrated will help prevent kidney damage. Taking the medication with food will decrease gastrointestinal (GI) irritation, but preventing kidney damage is more of a priority. Taking the medication on an empty stomach will increase gastrointestinal (GI) irritation. Constipation is not an issue with NSAIDs.