A nurse is caring for a client recently diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome.
The client states, “It is getting harder to take a deep breath.”. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Assess the lung sounds.

Explain the progression of the syndrome.

Call the physician and prepare for intubation.

Encourage the client to cough.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale

Assessing lung sounds is an important part of monitoring a patient’s respiratory status, but it may not be the most immediate action if the patient is finding it increasingly difficult to breathe.

Choice B rationale

While explaining the progression of the syndrome is important for patient education, it may not be the most immediate action if the patient is experiencing difficulty breathing.

Choice C rationale

Guillain-Barre syndrome can affect the muscles used for breathing, resulting in a weakened or paralyzed diaphragm, which can lead to an ineffective breathing pattern. Therefore, if a patient states that it is getting harder to take a deep breath, the nurse should call the physician and prepare for possible intubation.

Choice D rationale

Encouraging the client to cough may not be the most appropriate action if the patient is finding it increasingly difficult to breathe.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice B rationale
If a patient states that he cannot see the top of the Snellen chart, the nurse should determine whether the patient can count fingers. If the patient is unable to read the top line of the Snellen

chart at 6 meters, the nurse can reduce the distance to 3 meters from the Snellen chart. If the patient still cannot read the chart, the nurse can then determine whether the patient can count fingers.
Choice A rationale
While documenting findings is an important part of the nursing process, it would not be the immediate action the nurse should take if a patient cannot see the top of the Snellen chart.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining a tumbling E chart to assess visual acuity could be considered if the patient is unable to read letters or numbers, but it would not be the immediate action the nurse should take if a patient cannot see the top of the Snellen chart.
Choice D rationale
Completing an internal eye exam would not be the immediate action the nurse should take if a patient cannot see the top of the Snellen chart.

A. Keep a urinary catheter in place for the entire duration of recovery. B. Provide three larger meals rather than frequent small meals. C. Limit the intake of insoluble fiber. D. Teach the patient to perform deep breathing and coughing exercises.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice D rationale
Teaching the patient to perform deep breathing and coughing exercises is a key intervention to address a potential complication after an ischemic stroke. These exercises can help prevent pneumonia, a common complication after stroke, by promoting lung expansion, improving oxygenation, and facilitating the clearance of secretions.
Choice A rationale
Keeping a urinary catheter in place for the entire duration of recovery is not typically recommended due to the increased risk of urinary tract infections. Catheters should be used sparingly and removed as soon as possible.

Choice B rationale
Providing three larger meals rather than frequent small meals does not specifically address a potential complication after an ischemic stroke. In fact, smaller, more frequent meals may be easier for some stroke patients to manage, particularly if they have difficulty swallowing.
Choice C rationale
Limiting the intake of insoluble fiber does not specifically address a potential complication after an ischemic stroke. A balanced diet with adequate fiber is generally recommended for stroke patients to promote bowel regularity and overall health.

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A nurse is caring for a client recently diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome. The client states, “It is getting harder to take a deep breath.”. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is assessing a patient’s visual acuity using a Snellen chart. The patient states he cannot see the top of the chart. What action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a patient recovering from an ischemic stroke. What intervention best addresses a potential complication after an ischemic stroke?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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A nurse is caring for a client recently diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome.
The client states, “It is getting harder to take a deep breath.”. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?