A Patient Has Arrived at the Critical Care Unit with a Head

Multiple Choice

A patient has arrived at the critical care unit with a head injury. On admission, the patient is talking and is a little drowsy but oriented. Two hours later, the nurse discovers that the patient is talking at a rapid pace and keeps repeating his words. Which of the following examples best depicts Benner's stages and appropriate critical-thinking processes in this situation?

A) Advanced beginner-thinks that the patient is trying to be funny
B) Competent-thinks that the patient is experiencing effects from cerebral edema
C) Novice-thinks that the patient is stressed and has had a surge of adrenaline
D) Proficient-thinks that the patient is waking up from a coma