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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A mass in the mediastinum can compress the trachea or major blood vessels, leading to shortness of breath, particularly when the patient is in a supine position (lying flat). This symptom is indicative of significant obstruction or compression, making it a key sign.
B. While lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph nodes) is a hallmark of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, it does not specifically indicate the presence of a mediastinal mass. Lymph nodes can swell throughout the body, including cervical, axillary, and inguinal regions, but this symptom is more general and not exclusive to mediastinal involvement.
C. Low-grade fevers can occur in Hodgkin's Lymphoma due to systemic effects of the cancer, such as cytokine release. However, this symptom is nonspecific and does not directly indicate a mediastinal mass. It is more indicative of the body's response to cancer rather than localized effects.
D. Drenching night sweats are another common systemic symptom associated with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Like low-grade fevers, night sweats are part of the B symptoms that can occur with lymphoma but are not specifically indicative of a mediastinal mass.
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
A. Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding and is typically contraindicated in patients who have undergone procedures like bone marrow aspiration. Instead, acetaminophen may be recommended for pain relief, as it does not have blood-thinning effects.
B. After a bone marrow aspiration, the donor is typically advised to lie flat or in a comfortable position to minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of bleeding. High Fowler's position may not provide the necessary comfort or support needed post-procedure.
C. Applying direct pressure to the puncture site is a critical intervention to minimize bleeding and promote clotting at the site of the aspiration. The nurse should apply pressure for a sufficient amount of time as per protocol.
D. Monitoring vital signs is important after any invasive procedure to detect any complications early, such as bleeding or signs of shock. Documenting vital signs also ensures continuity of care.
E. This choice is not applicable immediately after bone marrow aspiration for a donor. Neutropenic precautions are typically implemented for patients who have low white blood cell counts due to chemotherapy or other conditions. Bone marrow donors do not require these precautions immediately after donation unless there is a specific concern for infection or a significant drop in white blood cell counts.
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