A nurse is assessing a client who has left-sided weakness following a stroke. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?
The client is consuming 25% of their meals.
The client coughs frequently while eating.
The client's blood pressure is 142/94 mm Hg.
The client leans to the left side while sitting.
The Correct Answer is B
A. The client is consuming 25% of their meals.
Poor nutritional intake can lead to complications over time, but it is not the most immediate concern compared to other options. This finding is important but not the highest priority.
B. The client coughs frequently while eating.
Frequent coughing while eating can indicate dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), which increases the risk of aspiration. Aspiration can lead to serious complications like aspiration pneumonia, which is life-threatening. This is the nurse’s priority finding because it poses an immediate risk to the client’s airway and respiratory status.
C. The client's blood pressure is 142/94 mm Hg.
The blood pressure is elevated, which is concerning, especially in a post-stroke client. However, it is not critically high and does not present an immediate threat compared to the risk of aspiration.
D. The client leans to the left side while sitting.
Leaning to the left side while sitting could indicate poor balance or proprioception, which increases the risk of falls. While important to address, it is not as immediately critical as the risk of aspiration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Yogurt with fruit:
While yogurt with fruit is a soft and easily digestible option, it is not representative of a progression from a clear liquid diet to a full liquid diet. Yogurt is typically included in a full liquid diet, but the addition of fruit may introduce solid particles. The transition from clear to full liquids usually involves avoiding solid or textured foods.
B. Pudding:
Pudding is a suitable choice that aligns with the progression from a clear liquid diet to a full liquid diet. Pudding is a smooth and creamy food, making it appropriate for someone transitioning from clear liquids. It provides a source of calories and is easy to swallow, meeting the criteria for a full liquid diet.
C. Cooked vegetables:
Cooked vegetables are not part of a full liquid diet. While they are a healthy food choice, they are too textured for someone transitioning from a clear liquid diet. Full liquid diets focus on foods that are liquid at room temperature or become liquid when they reach body temperature.
D. Bananas:
Bananas are a soft and easily digestible fruit, but they are not typically included in a full liquid diet. The texture of bananas may be too thick for someone progressing from a clear liquid diet, and they are not considered a liquid or a food that becomes liquid at room temperature.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Elevate full-length side rails on both sides of the client's bed:
While side rails are used to prevent falls, full-length side rails can pose a risk to the client. They may give a false sense of security, and there's a risk of entrapment or injury if the client tries to climb over them. The use of side rails requires careful assessment and consideration of the individual client's needs.
B. Place the bedside table 0.9 m (3 feet) away from the bed:
Placing the bedside table 0.9 m (3 feet) away from the bed may not directly address the risk of falls. The focus should be on making essential items easily accessible to the client to minimize the need for them to get out of bed, especially during the night. Placing items within the client's reach is a more practical approach.
C. Keep the client's room temperature at 18°C (64.4°F):
While maintaining a comfortable room temperature is important for the client's overall well-being, it is not a direct preventive measure for falls. Falls are more likely to be prevented by addressing environmental factors, ensuring clear pathways, and providing adequate lighting.
D. Provide the client with a night light:
This is the appropriate action. A night light helps improve visibility during nighttime, reducing the risk of falls. It allows the client to see their surroundings better and navigate the room safely if they need to get out of bed.
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