Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

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Enhance your knowledge with the Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Exam. Study using multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations. Prepare effectively and boost your confidence for the exam!

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In a situation where Mr. Smith has increased intracranial pressure and requests his wife at his bedside, the nurse should:

  1. Ask his wife to leave for his comfort

  2. Allow his wife to stay and reduce room brightness

  3. Check his pupils frequently for changes

  4. Encourage his wife to visit less often

The correct answer is: Allow his wife to stay and reduce room brightness

Allowing Mr. Smith's wife to stay at his bedside while reducing the room brightness is the best approach in this situation. Increased intracranial pressure can lead to various complications, and one of the ways to help manage the symptoms is to create a calming environment. Having a loved one nearby can provide emotional support, which may help to lessen anxiety and stress that could otherwise exacerbate his condition. Reducing room brightness is important because bright lights can increase discomfort and stimulation, potentially worsening the headache or disorientation that often accompanies increased intracranial pressure. By creating a quieter and dimmer environment, the nurse helps facilitate the patient’s comfort and may promote better intracranial pressure management. Considering the other options, asking the wife to leave would deprive Mr. Smith of vital emotional support. Regular checks of his pupils are crucial for monitoring neurological status, but they don't address his immediate emotional needs or comfort. Encouraging less frequent visits could lead to increased anxiety and loneliness, which could further complicate his recovery process. Thus, allowing the presence of his wife while modifying the environmental factors in the room provides both emotional reassurance and physical comfort.