Author Question: An unconscious male patient has just arrived in the emergency department after a head injury caused ... (Read 87 times)

@Brianna17 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

An unconscious male patient has just arrived in the emergency department after a head injury caused by a motorcycle crash. Which order should the nurse question?

a. Obtain x-rays of the skull and spine.
b. Prepare the patient for lumbar puncture.
c. Send for computed tomography (CT) scan.
d. Perform neurologic checks every 15 minutes.

Question 2

Propranolol (Inderal), a -adrenergic blocker that inhibits sympathetic nervous system activity, is prescribed for a patient who has extreme anxiety about public speaking. The nurse monitors the patient for

a. dry mouth.
b. bradycardia.
c. constipation.
d. urinary retention.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
After a head injury, the patient may be experiencing intracranial bleeding and increased intracranial pressure, which could lead to herniation of the brain if a lumbar puncture is performed. The other orders are appropriate.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Inhibition of the fight or flight response leads to a decreased heart rate. Dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention are associated with peripheral nervous system blockade.