A nurse enters the room of a client and discovers the client with new right-sided weakness and slurred speech. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Perform carotid massage.
Call for help.
Provide the client with water to test the gag reflex.
Administer thrombolytics.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Performing carotid massage is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may worsen the condition or cause complications. Carotid massage is a technique that involves applying pressure to the carotid artery in the neck to stimulate the vagus nerve and slow down the heart rate. It is used to treat some types of arrhythmias, such as supraventricular tachycardia. However, carotid massage may dislodge a blood clot or plaque from the carotid artery and cause an embolic stroke, which is a type of ischemic stroke that occurs when a blood clot travels to the brain and blocks a blood vessel. Carotid massage may also cause bradycardia, hypotension, or syncope, which can reduce the blood flow to the brain and worsen the ischemic damage.
Choice B reason: Calling for help is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it initiates the emergency response and allows for prompt evaluation and treatment. Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. The sooner the stroke is recognized and treated, the better the chances of survival and recovery. Therefore, the nurse should call for help as soon as possible and activate the stroke protocol in the facility.
Choice C reason: Providing the client with water to test the gag reflex is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may cause aspiration or choking. A gag reflex is an involuntary contraction of the throat muscles that prevents foreign objects from entering the airway. It is tested by touching the back of the throat with a tongue depressor or a cotton swab. However, this test is not indicated in a client who has signs of a stroke, as it may trigger vomiting or coughing, which can increase intracranial pressure or cause bleeding. Moreover, giving water to a client who has signs of a stroke may be dangerous, as they may have dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or facial weakness, which can impair their ability to swallow safely and increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
Choice D reason: Administering thrombolytics is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may be contraindicated or harmful depending on the type and timing of the stroke. Thrombolytics are medications that dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow. They are used to treat ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain. However, thrombolytics are not effective for hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by bleeding into or around the brain. In fact, thrombolytics may worsen hemorrhagic stroke by increasing bleeding and intracranial pressure. Therefore, thrombolytics should only be given after confirming the type of stroke by imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thrombolytics should also be given within a specific time window after the onset of symptoms, usually within 3 to 4.5 hours, as they may lose their effectiveness or cause complications if given too late. Therefore, administering thrombolytics is not an action that a nurse can take without proper assessment and orders from the health care provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: "Diet and exercise is good for you and good for your heart." This statement is true, but it is not the appropriate nursing response. It does not address the client's concerns or provide any specific information about cardiac rehabilitation. It may also sound dismissive or patronizing to the client.
Choice B reason: "It's not unusual to feel that way at first, but once you learn the routine, you'll enjoy it." This statement is empathetic, but it is not the appropriate nursing response. It does not explain the purpose or benefits of cardiac rehabilitation. It may also sound unrealistic or optimistic to the client.
Choice C reason: "Cardiac rehabilitation cannot undo the damage to your heart, but it can help you get back to your previous level of activity safely." This statement is the appropriate nursing response. It acknowledges the client's condition and provides factual information about cardiac rehabilitation. It also emphasizes the positive outcomes of cardiac rehabilitation, such as improving physical function, reducing symptoms, and preventing further complications.
Choice D reason: "Your doctor is the expert here, and I'm sure he would only recommend what is best for you." This statement is respectful, but it is not the appropriate nursing response. It does not answer the client's question or provide any education about cardiac rehabilitation. It may also sound evasive or deferential to the client.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: The integumentary system is a portal of entry for anthrax because the bacteria can enter through cuts or abrasions on the skin. This is called cutaneous anthrax, and it is the most common and least deadly form of anthrax infection.
Choice B reason: The endocrine system is not a portal of entry for anthrax because the bacteria do not affect the glands or hormones of the body. The endocrine system is mainly involved in regulating metabolism, growth, development, and reproduction.
Choice C reason: The central nervous system is a portal of entry for anthrax because the bacteria can spread to the brain and spinal cord from other parts of the body. This is called meningeal anthrax, and it is a rare and fatal complication of anthrax infection.
Choice D reason: The renal system is not a portal of entry for anthrax because the bacteria do not infect the kidneys or urinary tract. The renal system is mainly involved in filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood.
Choice E reason: The respiratory system is a portal of entry for anthrax because the bacteria can be inhaled into the lungs. This is called inhalation anthrax, and it is the most deadly form of anthrax infection.
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