Question

A client who has a severe head injury is placed in a drug-induced coma. The client's husband states, "I do not understand. Why are you putting her into a coma?" How does the nurse respond?

a."These drugs will prevent her from experiencing pain when positioning or suctioning is required."
b."This medication will help her remain cooperative and calm during the painful treatments."
c."This medication will decrease the activity of her brain so that additional damage does not occur."
d."This medication will prevent her from having a seizure and will reduce the need for monitoring intracranial pressure."

Answer 1

The nurse would explain that the drug-induced coma is to decrease brain activity and prevent additional damage after a severe head injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

In response to the client's husband, the correct and most complete explanation for why his wife is being placed in a drug-induced coma after a severe head injury would be c."This medication will decrease the activity of her brain so that additional damage does not occur."

Drug-induced coma, often administered through injectable anesthetics such as propofol and barbiturates, is a medical treatment used to protect the brain post-injury. The rationale behind inducing coma is to reduce metabolic demand and brain activity, allowing the brain to heal while minimizing the risk of further damage caused by swelling or seizures. This controlled state can help reduce intracranial pressure and maintain a stable environment for brain recovery. While options a and d mention preventing pain and seizures, they do not address the primary reason for the coma, which is to protect brain function. Option b incorrectly suggests cooperation during treatment, which is not the focus in the context of a severe head injury.