A nurse is evaluating a client who was admitted 12 hours ago with a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The client is intubated, mechanically ventilated, and being closely monitored for increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which of the following assessment findings or clinical observations indicate a potential complication or an increased risk of physiological decompensation requiring immediate intervention? Select all that apply.
- Arterial blood gas results show a pH of , of , and of .Cevap
- The client's head and neck are sharply rotated to the right side, resting against the ventilator tubing.Cevap
- Current vital signs demonstrate a blood pressure of and a heart rate of .Cevap
- DArterial blood gas results reveal a of while the client is receiving .
- EThe head of the bed is maintained in a strict elevated position.
- FThe client's hourly urine output over the past four hours ranges between and .
Cevap
The findings requiring immediate intervention are the abnormal arterial blood gas showing hypercapnia, the contraindicated sharp neck rotation, and the vital signs indicating Cushing's triad.
In a client with a severe traumatic brain injury, the primary goal is reducing the risk of secondary brain injury from increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Hypercapnia ( of ) triggers cerebral vasodilation, adding blood volume to the restricted cranial vault. Sharp neck rotation physically obstructs the jugular veins, preventing venous return and trapping blood in the brain. Finally, a widening pulse pressure combined with bradycardia is the classic presentation of Cushing's triad, indicating a catastrophic rise in ICP and impending brain herniation. All three findings demand immediate medical or nursing intervention.
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Reduction of Risk Potential: Prevention and Early Recognition of Increased Intracranial Pressure