A 78-year-old client is admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) with numbness and weakness of the right arm and slurred speech. Which nursing intervention is a priority?

Discuss the precipitating factors that caused the symptoms

Schedule a STAT computed tomography (CT) scan of the head

Prepare to administer recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA)

Notify the Speech Pathologist for an emergency consult

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. While it's important to gather information about the client's symptoms, the priority in this situation is to determine the underlying cause of the neurological symptoms. A CT scan can quickly identify if there's been a stroke or other brain injury.
B. This is the most appropriate and urgent intervention. A CT scan can rapidly identify if the client has had a stroke, which is a time-sensitive medical emergency. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for minimizing brain damage and improving outcomes.
C. t-PA is a medication used to dissolve blood clots in the brain, but it is only effective if given within a specific time window after the onset of stroke symptoms. Without a confirmed diagnosis of stroke from a CT scan, administering t-PA could be harmful.
D. While a speech pathologist may be involved in the client's care later on, the priority is to determine the underlying cause of the neurological symptoms and initiate appropriate treatment. A CT scan is essential for this purpose.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Asking yes or no questions can help facilitate communication, as they require less verbal output from the client and can help the nurse understand the client’s needs or thoughts without overwhelming them
B. This option is somewhat useful, as practicing words can help the client regain some verbal skills. However, it may not be the most effective immediate intervention. Clients with expressive aphasia often struggle to produce speech rather than understand it, and they may not benefit as much from this approach without additional support from speech therapy.
C. This intervention is not beneficial for improving communication. Tracking time spent speaking could create additional pressure on the client and may contribute to frustration rather than facilitate communication. It does not address the underlying issue of expressive aphasia.
D. This is not an appropriate intervention. Changing the subject can confuse or frustrate the client further, making it more difficult for them to communicate. It does not support their efforts to express themselves and may discourage them from trying to communicate altogether.

A. Change in mental status B. Vital signs: T-98, P- 90, RR- 20, BP-142/88. C. Client states, "No discomfort or pain." D. Urine is cloudy with sediment

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This is a significant finding that warrants immediate notification. Changes in mental status in elderly patients can indicate a variety of issues, including infection (such as a urinary tract infection), dehydration, or other acute illnesses. Given that elderly patients are at higher risk for delirium and other cognitive changes, this finding should be taken seriously.
B. These vital signs are largely within normal limits for an elderly patient. While the blood pressure is on the higher side, the heart rate and respiratory rate are within acceptable ranges. Therefore, this does not warrant immediate notification unless other symptoms are present.
C. This statement is reassuring and suggests that the client is not experiencing complications related to the indwelling catheter, such as infection or obstruction. It does not indicate any need for immediate notification of the provider.
D. Cloudy urine with sediment can be indicative of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other complications related to the indwelling catheter. While this finding is concerning and may require further evaluation, it is not as urgent as a change in mental status. It should still be reported to the healthcare provider but may not necessitate immediate action.

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A 78-year-old client is admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) with numbness and weakness of the right arm and slurred speech. Which nursing intervention is a priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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