Question

The nurse provides care for a client diagnosed with a closed head injury. The client begins to vomit. Which additional finding, if occurring with the noted emesis, does the nurse report to the health care provider (HCP)?

A) Increased lethargy.
B) Heart rate of 80 beats/min.
C) Sodium of 145 mEq/L (145 mmol/L).
D) Facial symmetry.

Answer 1

Increased lethargy is the additional finding that most indicates a potential deterioration in a client's neurological status following a closed head injury and should be immediately reported to a healthcare provider when accompanied by vomiting.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client with a closed head injury begins to vomit, the nurse should report additional findings that may suggest a worsening condition. Among the options provided, increased lethargy, when combined with emesis, is a significant finding that the nurse should report to the healthcare provider. Increased lethargy could indicate that the client's neurological status is deteriorating, which requires immediate attention. In contrast, a heart rate of 80 beats/min is within normal limits, a sodium level of 145 mEq/L is also normal, and facial symmetry would not typically be associated with a new or worsening neurological issue in this scenario.