A child with a head injury sleeps unless aroused, and when ...

[luvbio]

A child with a head injury sleeps unless aroused, and when aroused responds briefly before falling back to sleep. Which term corresponds to this child's level of consciousness?
 
  a. Disoriented
  b. Obtunded
  c. Lethargic
  d. Stuporous

Question 2

The nurse teaches parents to alert their healthcare provider about which adverse effect when a child receives valproic acid (Depakene) to control generalized seizures?
 
  a. Weight loss
  b. Bruising
  c. Anorexia
  d. Drowsiness

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Answer to Question 1

B
Obtunded describes an individual who sleeps unless aroused and once aroused has limited interaction with the environment. Disoriented refers to the lack of ability to recognize place or person. An individual is lethargic when he or she awakens easily but exhibits limited responsiveness. Stupor refers to requiring considerable stimulation to arouse the individual.

Answer to Question 2

B
Thrombocytopenia is an adverse effect of valproic acid. Parents should be alert for any unusual bruising or bleeding. Weight gain, not loss or anorexia, is a side effect of valproic acid. Drowsiness is not a side effect of valproic acid, although it is associated with other anticonvulsant medications.

[luvbio]

Thank you

[asdfghjkl;]

Happy to help you