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 A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
In the case of a major ischemic stroke, the medication that a nurse would anticipate the doctor to order is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)8. This medication works by dissolving the clot that is blocking blood flow to the brain. It is most effective when given as soon as possible after the onset of stroke symptoms.
Choice B rationale

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is not typically used in the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Choice C rationale
Aspirin is an antiplatelet drug that is sometimes used in the prevention of stroke. However, it is not typically used as an immediate treatment for a major ischemic stroke.
Choice D rationale
Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that is used to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger. It is not typically used as an immediate treatment for a major ischemic stroke.

A. Twenty to thirty minutes after the onset of symptoms. B. As soon as the patient senses the onset of the symptoms. C. As soon as the patient’s pain becomes unbearable. D. When the patient senses their symptoms are peaking.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice B rationale
Patients who experience severe cluster headaches should be instructed to take medications as soon as they sense the onset of symptoms. Cluster headaches are characterized by severe, debilitating pain that reaches peak intensity within a short period of time, often within 15 minutes. Therefore, early intervention is crucial to manage the pain effectively.
Choice A rationale

Waiting twenty to thirty minutes after the onset of symptoms to take medications may not be effective for cluster headaches. The pain of a cluster headache often reaches peak intensity within 15 minutes, so delaying medication could result in unnecessary suffering.
Choice C rationale
Waiting until the patient’s pain becomes unbearable is not recommended for managing cluster headaches. The goal of treatment is to prevent or reduce pain, not to wait until it becomes unbearable.
Choice D rationale
Taking medications when the patient senses their symptoms are peaking is not the most effective strategy for managing cluster headaches. Given the rapid onset and severe pain associated with cluster headaches, medications should be taken as soon as the patient senses the onset of symptoms.

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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

A nurse is caring for a 46-year-old patient who has had a major ischemic stroke in the last 25 minutes. The patient’s vital signs are: Temp 98.7, HR: 98, RR: 28, BP: 165/98. Which medication does the nurse anticipate the doctor will order?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

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?