Neuro Assessment & Decline
What change in a Glasgow Coma Scale score suggests a worsening neurologic status?
Answer: A decrease in the Glasgow Coma score.
What head position helps reduce intracranial pressure?
Answer: Head of bed elevated 15°–30°.
Which endocrine disorder causes high urine output and dilute urine?
Answer: Diabetes insipidus.
After cataract surgery, which statement requires immediate reporting: mild itching or severe pain?
Answer: Severe pain — may indicate increased IOP.
Gallstones can trigger inflammation of which organ?
Answer: Pancreas (acute pancreatitis).
A client previously opened their eyes spontaneously. Now they only open eyes to painful touch. What does this suggest?
Answer: Decline in level of consciousness.
Why should coughing be avoided in clients with elevated ICP?
Answer: Coughing increases intracranial pressure.
Bradycardia and weight gain are seen in which thyroid condition?
Answer: Hypothyroidism.
Which symptom is expected in Meniere’s disease: tinnitus or bilateral ear pain?
Answer: Tinnitus.
What lifestyle changes are key after recovering from acute pancreatitis?
Answer: Stop drinking alcohol and stop smoking.
Name two signs—other than GCS drop—that indicate worsening brain injury.
Answer: Pupil changes and swelling of the optic nerve.
Bright lights are avoided for clients with ICP because they can increase what risk?
Answer: Seizure activity or stimulation.
Frequent mood changes and heat intolerance suggest which thyroid condition?
Answer: Hyperthyroidism.
What type of loss may occur with Meniere’s disease?
Answer: Gradual hearing loss in one or both ears.
Which potassium level is a priority finding: 2.5 mEq/L or 3.6 mEq/L?
Answer: 2.5 mEq/L — severe hypokalemia.
A patient after a head injury becomes confused and mumbles nonsense instead of answering questions. What does this indicate?
Answer: Decline in verbal response.
Most common type of cerebral edema in stroke patients?
Answer: Vasogenic cerebral edema.
What blood sodium change is expected in diabetes insipidus?
Answer: Elevated serum sodium.
Why should clients wear sunglasses after cataract surgery?
Answer: To reduce light sensitivity and discomfort.
Which glucose level suggests possible ketoacidosis: 80 mg/dL or 300 mg/dL?
Answer: 300 mg/dL.
After a fall, which change should be reported immediately: mild shoulder pain or new drowsiness?
Answer: New drowsiness — possible increased ICP.
A head-injured patient has urine output of 650 mL/hr. What disorder might be suspected?
Answer: Diabetes insipidus.
In diabetic ketoacidosis, what unusual breath odor may be noticed?
Answer: Fruity/acetone odor.
Loss of depth perception after surgery is usually due to what?
Answer: Wearing an eye patch.
In ketoacidosis, what breathing pattern is often present?
Answer: Kussmaul respirations.