A nurse is caring for a patient who suddenly experiences right-sided numbness and weakness in the arm and leg, along with a distinct droop on the right side of the face.
After reporting these findings to the healthcare provider, the nurse receives several prescriptions for the patient, including an immediate CT scan of the head.
What should be the nurse’s first course of action?
Initiate two large-bore IV catheters and review the inclusion criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy.
Begin continuous observation for transient episodes of neurological dysfunction.
Elevate the head of the bed to 30 degrees, keeping the head and neck in neutral alignment.
Administer aspirin to prevent further clot formation and platelet aggregation.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The symptoms described - right-sided numbness and weakness in the arm and leg, along with a distinct droop on the right side of the face - are indicative of a stroke. Immediate medical intervention is crucial in such cases. Initiating two large-bore IV catheters would allow for rapid administration of necessary medications and fluids. Reviewing the inclusion criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy is also important, as this type of therapy can help dissolve the clot causing the stroke and restore blood flow to the brain.
Choice B rationale
While continuous observation for transient episodes of neurological dysfunction is important in the care of a patient with suspected stroke, it is not the first course of action. Immediate medical intervention to treat the stroke is the priority.
Choice C rationale
Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees can help reduce intracranial pressure in a patient with a stroke. However, this is not the first course of action. Immediate medical intervention to treat the stroke is the priority.
Choice D rationale
Administering aspirin can help prevent further clot formation and platelet aggregation in patients with certain types of stroke. However, aspirin is not typically the first line treatment in the acute phase of a stroke, especially when the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) has not yet been determined.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
After a gastric endoscopy, it’s common for patients to experience a sore throat. This is due to the passage of the endoscope through the throat during the procedure. The discomfort is usually temporary and can be relieved with lozenges or gargling with warm salt water.
Choice B rationale
While headaches can occur after procedures that involve sedation, they are not commonly associated with gastric endoscopy specifically. Therefore, while it’s important to monitor for headaches, they are not a typical post-procedure problem following a gastric endoscopy.
Choice C rationale
Aching legs are not a common problem following a gastric endoscopy. The procedure primarily involves the upper gastrointestinal tract, and does not directly affect the legs.
Choice D rationale
Nausea can occur after a gastric endoscopy, but it is more commonly associated with the sedation used during the procedure rather than the procedure itself. If nausea does occur, it can be managed with antiemetic medications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reinforcing the connection of the chest tube to the container with tape is not the immediate action to be taken when a client becomes suddenly short of breath and anxious. This action might be necessary if the connection between the chest tube and the container is loose, but it does not address the immediate need of the client.
Choice B rationale
If a client with a chest tube becomes suddenly short of breath and anxious, the nurse should immediately clamp the chest tube with a plastic clamp. This is because the chest tube might have been disconnected from the water seal chamber, and clamping the tube can prevent air from entering the pleural space and causing a tension pneumothorax.
Choice C rationale
Applying an occlusive dressing over the site of the chest tube is not the immediate action to be taken when a client becomes suddenly short of breath and anxious. This action might be necessary if the chest tube is accidentally removed, but it does not address the immediate need of the client.
Choice D rationale
Ensuring that the chest tubing is neither kinked nor hanging low is an important part of the ongoing care for a client with a chest tube, but it is not the immediate action to be taken when a client becomes suddenly short of breath and anxious.
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