A nurse is caring for a client on the medical-surgical floor.
Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the
client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.
The Correct Answer is []
The potential condition the client is most likely experiencing is a Hemorrhagic Stroke.
- Prepare the client for a STAT CT brain: The client presents with sudden onset of severe headache described as the worst of their life, along with additional neurological symptoms such as left-sided weakness, aphasia, photophobia, and loss of peripheral vision. These symptoms are highly concerning for a possible hemorrhagic stroke, which requires urgent imaging such as a CT scan of the brain to confirm the diagnosis and guide immediate treatment.
- Place the client on seizure precautions: The client has reported left-sided weakness and aphasia, indicating neurological deficits. Additionally, they have a history of atrial fibrillation and are on anticoagulant therapy with warfarin, resulting in an elevated INR of 4.9. This INR level suggests a significantly increased risk of bleeding, including intracranial bleeding. Given these factors, the client is at risk of experiencing seizures, which is a potential complication of hemorrhagic stroke. Placing the client on seizure precautions involves ensuring their safety and preventing injury in the event of a seizure.
Parameters to Monitor:
- Temperature: Monitoring temperature is important to assess for the presence of fever, which could indicate an infectious process such as meningitis. However, in this case, the client's fever is likely related to their urinary tract infection rather than directly related to the stroke. Nonetheless, monitoring temperature is still essential for overall assessment and management.
- PT/INR: Monitoring the PT/INR is crucial due to the client's history of atrial fibrillation and anticoagulant therapy with warfarin. The elevated INR of 4.9 suggests that the client is at increased risk of bleeding, including intracranial bleeding. Close monitoring of PT/INR levels will help guide adjustments to anticoagulant therapy and assess the risk of further bleeding complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. “You might benefit from some psychological counseling." While psychological counseling may be helpful for coping with the emotional impact of epilepsy, it does not directly address the patient's concern about the possibility of having a seizure at work.
B. “The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation can help with work retraining." While
vocational rehabilitation services may be beneficial for individuals with disabilities, it may not directly address the patient's concern about continuing to work as a teacher.
C. "Epilepsy usually can be well controlled with medications." This response addresses the patient's concern by providing reassurance that epilepsy can often be effectively managed with medications. By effectively controlling seizures, the patient may be able to continue working without the fear of having a seizure at work.
D. “You will want to contact the Epilepsy Foundation for assistance." While the Epilepsy Foundation provides valuable resources and support for individuals with epilepsy, this response does not directly address the patient's concern about continuing to work.
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
A. Slurred speech is often an early sign of increased ICP due to focal brain injury affecting speech areas.
B. Bradycardia is a late sign of increased ICP and is part of Cushing's triad, which includes bradycardia, irregular respirations, and widened pulse pressure
C. Hypotension is not typically associated with increased ICP; in fact, hypertension may occur as the body attempts to maintain cerebral perfusion.
D. Nonreactive dilated pupils are a late sign of increased ICP, indicating potential compression of the third cranial nerve due to brain herniation.
E. Confusion can be an early or late sign of increased ICP, but it is not specific enough to be considered a definitive late sign without other context.
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