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Assessment of a patient with a head injury reveals increased muscle tone and contractured positioning of the upper extremities. A nurse should
Suggested Answer: D
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In patients with head injuries, increased muscle tone and contractured positioning (such as decorticate or decerebrate posturing) are signs of significant neurological impairment. It is essential to manage these symptoms to prevent further complications. Consulting a physical therapist is the best course of action to ensure appropriate positioning, prevent contractures, and manage spasticity effectively. Reference: = CCRN Exam Handbook and AACN's Certification Review Course materials.
29 comments · newest first
BR
Brittni
10 months ago
B could help, but we need to be cautious with muscle relaxers.
CY
Cyril
11 months ago
Wait, are we really just accepting contractures as normal after a head injury?
AN
An
11 months ago
A is a no-go. Restraints can cause more harm than good.
SV
Svetlana
11 months ago
C seems a bit off. Contractures aren't always expected, right?
MA
Maia
11 months ago
I think D is the best choice here. Physical therapy can really help!
MA
Marlon
12 months ago
I vaguely recall that muscle relaxers can help, but I’m not confident if that’s the right first step in this scenario.
DO
Dominga
12 months ago
I practiced a question similar to this where restraints were mentioned, but I feel like using them might not be the best approach here.
DE
Delbert
12 months ago
I think consulting a physical therapist sounds like a good idea, especially for positioning, but I wonder if we should try something else first.
LO
Louisa
1 year ago
I remember discussing how contractures can develop after head injuries, but I'm not sure if they're always expected.
WE
Wei
1 year ago
Whoa, this is a tough one. I'm leaning towards option D, but I'm not totally confident. Maybe I should review the material on head injuries again before deciding.
AL
Allene
1 year ago
Okay, I've got this one. The key here is recognizing that contractures are an expected response after a head injury, so option C is the right answer. Wrist restraints and muscle relaxers aren't the best approach in this case.
MI
Micaela
1 year ago
Hmm, I'm a bit confused by this question. The increased muscle tone and contractured positioning make me think a muscle relaxer might be the way to go, but I'm not 100% sure. I'll have to think this through carefully.
RE
Reita
1 year ago
This seems like a tricky one. I'm not totally sure about the right approach, but I'm thinking option D might be the best choice since it involves consulting a physical therapist for appropriate positioning.
TA
Tamesha
2 years ago
Hey, if the patient's arms are like pretzels, we should just get them a job in a circus. But in all seriousness, D is the way to go.
LO
Louis
2 years ago
Wrist restraints? Really? That's like trying to put a band-aid on a broken bone. Option D is the only sensible choice here.
GL
Glendora
2 years ago
C is an interesting option, but I don't think we should just accept contractures as 'expected'. We need to be proactive in addressing them.
AR
Arminda
2 years ago
I agree, D is the way to go. Muscle relaxers might help in the short term, but a physical therapist can provide long-term solutions.
LE
Leigha
1 year ago
C: I agree, muscle relaxers might not address the root cause of the issue.
LA
Laticia
1 year ago
B: Yeah, that sounds like the best option for long-term solutions.
MA
Mariko
2 years ago
A: I think we should consult a physical therapist for appropriate positioning.
VA
Valentin
2 years ago
I don't think contractures are expected after a head injury.
MI
Minna
2 years ago
Using wrist restraints doesn't sound like the best option.
JE
Jeff
2 years ago
I agree, they can help with appropriate positioning.
NI
Nina
2 years ago
Option D seems the most appropriate. Consulting a physical therapist is crucial for proper positioning and preventing contractures.
DO
Donte
2 years ago
I think obtaining a muscle relaxer may not address the root cause of the issue, consulting a physical therapist is a better approach.
PA
Patti
2 years ago
Using wrist restraints may not be the best option, consulting a physical therapist is a better choice.
MO
Mollie
2 years ago
I agree, a physical therapist can help with positioning to prevent contractures.
AL
Alana
2 years ago
Option D seems the most appropriate. Consulting a physical therapist is crucial for proper positioning and preventing contractures.
ZA
Zachary
2 years ago
I think we should consult a physical therapist.