A nurse is caring for a client who has had a hemorrhagic stroke following a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
History of neurologic deficits lasting less than 1 hr
Maintains consciousness
Manifestations preceded by a severe headache
Gradual onset of several hours
The Correct Answer is C
- A hemorrhagic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding tissue. A common cause of hemorrhagic stroke is a cerebral aneurysm, which is a weak or bulging spot in an artery wall. When an aneurysm ruptures, it causes sudden and severe bleeding in the brain, which can damage brain cells and increase intracranial pressure. Symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke include a sudden and severe headache, often described as "the worst headache of my life", followed by neurologic deficits, such as weakness, numbness, vision loss, speech problems, confusion, or loss of consciousness
- The other options are not correct because:
- History of neurologic deficits lasting less than 1 hr. This statement is incorrect because it describes a transient ischemic atack (TIA), which is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain that causes brief neurologic symptoms that resolve within 24 hours. A TIA is often a warning sign of an impending ischemic stroke, which is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain and reduces blood flow to the affected area.
- Maintains consciousness. This statement is incorrect because most clients with hemorrhagic stroke lose consciousness or have altered mental status due to the increased intracranial pressure and brain damage caused by the bleeding. The level of consciousness depends on the location and extent of the hemorrhage, but it usually deteriorates rapidly.
- Gradual onset of several hours. This statement is incorrect because hemorrhagic stroke usually has a sudden onset, unlike ischemic stroke, which may have a gradual onset over several hours or days. The onset of hemorrhagic stroke is often associated with physical exertion, emotional stress, or hypertension, which can increase the risk of aneurysm rupture.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should check the client's vital signs first because nausea and weakness are signs of digoxin toxicity, which can also cause bradycardia, hypotension, and arrhythmias. The nurse should also assess the client's serum digoxin level, potassium level, and electrocardiogram.
Request a dietitian consult is wrong because it is not the priority action and it does not address the possible cause of the client's symptoms. A dietitian consult may be helpful to provide nutritional education and guidance, but only after ruling out or treating digoxin toxicity.
Suggest that the client rests before eating the meal is wrong because it is not the priority action and it may delay the diagnosis and treatment of digoxin toxicity. The nurse should not assume that the client's symptoms are due to fatigue or lack of appetite, but rather investigate for any underlying problems.
Request an order for an antiemetic is wrong because it is not the priority action and it may mask the symptoms of digoxin toxicity. The nurse should not administer any medications that could interact with digoxin or worsen its effects, but rather notify the provider and follow the protocol for digoxin toxicity management.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A headache is a common and expected adverse effect of nitroglycerin, due to its vasodilating action. The client can take an over-the-counter analgesic to relieve the headache, unless contraindicated.
"A headache is an indication of an allergy to the medication." is not correct, as a headache is not a sign of an allergic reaction to nitroglycerin. An allergic reaction would manifest as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
"A headache indicates tolerance to the medication." is not accurate, as a headache does not indicate tolerance to nitroglycerin. Tolerance would manifest as reduced or absent relief from anginal pain.
"A headache is likely due to the anxiety about the chest pain." is not plausible, as a headache is not likely due to the anxiety about the chest pain. Anxiety would manifest as nervousness, restlessness, palpitations, or sweating.
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