A 70-year-old female patient with left-sided hemiparesis arrives by ambulance to the emergency department. Which action should the nurse take first?
Send the patient for a computed tomography (CT) scan.
Check the respiratory rate and effort.
Assess the Glasgow Coma Scale score.
Take the patient's blood pressure.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Send the patient for a computed tomography (CT) scan: While obtaining a CT scan is important for diagnosing potential causes of the patient's left-sided hemiparesis, assessing the patient's respiratory status takes precedence to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
B. Check the respiratory rate and effort: Assessing the patient's respiratory rate and effort is the first priority to identify any signs of respiratory distress or compromise. Adequate oxygenation and ventilation are essential for maintaining vital organ function.
C. Assess the Glasgow Coma Scale score: While assessing the Glasgow Coma Scale score is important for evaluating the patient's level of consciousness and neurological status, it is not the first action to take in a patient with potential respiratory compromise.
D. Take the patient's blood pressure: While obtaining the patient's blood pressure is important for assessing hemodynamic stability, it is not the first priority when the patient presents with left-sided hemiparesis and may be at risk for respiratory compromise.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The patient had a recent acute myocardial infarction: Sumatriptan is contraindicated in patients with a history of myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease due to its vasoconstrictive effects, which could exacerbate ischemia or precipitate cardiovascular events.
B. The patient has had migraine headaches for 30 years: While the duration of migraine headaches is relevant to the patient's history, it is not as immediately concerning as a recent myocardial infarction when considering the use of sumatriptan.
C. The patient drinks 1 to 2 cups of coffee daily: While caffeine consumption may interact with sumatriptan and affect its efficacy or side effects, it is not as immediately concerning as a recent myocardial infarction.
D. The patient has taken topiramate (Topamax) for 2 months: While the use of topiramate may interact with sumatriptan, it is not as immediately concerning as a recent myocardial infarction. However, it is still important to report all medications the patient is taking to the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"B"}
Explanation
The nurse and address the clients right shoulder pain after addressing the clients drowsiness. a clients recovery can be affected by pain by inhibiting their ability to become active and involved in self-care. The goal is to provide pain relief so that the client is able to participate in the recovery and to improve the clients functional status. Assessment of paint should include intensity, quality, duration, and location.
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