Question

On physical examination of a patient with headache and fever, the nurse would suspect a brain abscess when the patient has?

1) seizures
2) nuchal rigidity
3) focal symptoms
4) signs of increased ICP

Answer 1

A nurse suspects a brain abscess in a patient with headache and fever upon observing seizures, nuchal rigidity, focal neurological symptoms, and signs of increased ICP. These findings suggest increased pressure and inflammation in the brain, demanding immediate medical evaluation and intervention.

Step-by-step explanation:

When examining a patient with a headache and fever, a nurse might suspect a brain abscess if the patient exhibits certain critical signs. These include:

Seizures, which can occur due to irritation and pressure on the brain caused by the abscess.Nuchal rigidity, or a stiff neck, which suggests irritation or inflammation of the meninges, potentially from an underlying infection that may also include an abscess.Focal symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body or slurred speech, suggesting a localized problem in the brain like an abscess influencing nearby brain tissue.

Signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), such as a headache that worsens when lying down, vomiting without nausea, and changes in consciousness.These symptoms can also be associated with other serious conditions, such as meningitis or encephalitis, so it's crucial to differentiate among them based on symptomatology and subsequent diagnostic tests.