Health Promotion and Maintenance Q 54
Arnold, a 19-year-old client with a mild concussion is discharged from the emergency department. Before discharge, he complains of a headache. When offered acetaminophen, his mother tells the nurse the headache is severe and she would like her son to have something stronger. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
A. “Your son had a mild concussion, acetaminophen is strong enough.”
B. “Aspirin is avoided because of the danger of Reye’s syndrome in children or young adults.”
C. “Narcotics are avoided after a head injury because they may hide a worsening condition.”
D. Stronger medications may lead to vomiting, which increases the intracranial pressure (ICP).”
Correct Answer: C. Narcotics are avoided after a head injury because they may hide a worsening condition.
Narcotics may mask changes in the level of consciousness that indicate increased ICP.
Option A: Acetaminophen is strong enough ignores the mother’s question and therefore isn’t appropriate.
Option B: Aspirin is contraindicated in conditions that may have bleeding, such as trauma, and for children or young adults with viral illnesses due to the danger of Reye’s syndrome.
Option D: Stronger medications may not necessarily lead to vomiting but will sedate the client, thereby masking changes in his level of consciousness.