A clinical trial is recommended for a female client with metastatic breast cancer, but she refuses to participate and tells her family that she does not wish to have further treatments.

The client's son and daughter ask the nurse to try and convince their mother to reconsider this decision.

How should the nurse respond?

Choice A rationale:

The client’s presentation of a noticeable facial droop and garbled speech are classic symptoms of a stroke. These symptoms indicate that the brain is not receiving enough oxygen, which can lead to permanent damage if not treated immediately. Therefore, this client requires immediate health interventions.

Choice B rationale:

This choice is identical to Choice A. The client’s noticeable facial droop and garbled speech are indicative of a stroke and require immediate attention.

Choice C rationale:

This choice is also identical to Choices A and B. The client’s symptoms are indicative of a stroke, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.

Choice D rationale:

While the change in the client’s speech after having a few drinks at a restaurant could be due to alcohol consumption, it could also be a symptom of a stroke, especially when combined with the facial droop. However, this choice does not directly indicate the need for immediate health interventions as it lacks the specificity of the symptoms compared to Choices A, B, and C.

Choice E rationale:

The time of arrival and mode of transportation do not directly indicate the need for immediate health interventions. However, the mention of facial drooping and garbled speech upon arrival at the emergency department reinforces the urgency of the situation, as these are classic symptoms of a stroke. In conclusion, Choices A, B, C, and E all highlight data that indicate the client is in need of immediate health interventions due to potential stroke symptoms. It’s important to note that strokes require immediate medical attention to minimize brain damage and potential complications. Normal ranges for lab parameters would not apply in this scenario as it’s based on clinical observations rather than laboratory findings.

Choice A rationale:

Urticaria is a skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of raised, itchy, and red welts on the skin. It is an objective finding because it can be observed and assessed visually. The presence of urticaria may indicate an allergic reaction or another underlying condition.

Choice B rationale:

Hypertension is a subjective finding because it cannot be directly observed. It requires blood pressure measurement to confirm, making it a subjective parameter.

Choice C rationale:

Diaphoresis refers to excessive sweating, which can be observed and assessed visually. It is an objective finding and may be indicative of various conditions, including anxiety or fever.

Choice D rationale:

Nausea is a subjective symptom because it is a sensation that the client experiences and reports. It cannot be directly observed by the nurse, making it a subjective parameter.

Choice E rationale:

Anxiety is a subjective symptom, as it is a mental and emotional state experienced by the client. It cannot be directly observed, making it a subjective parameter.

Choice F rationale:

Edema is an objective finding because it can be visually assessed by the nurse. Edema is the accumulation of excess fluid in body tissues, and its presence or absence can be objectively determined.