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.

Answer and Explanation

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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E","F","G"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Lamb’s wool is typically used for padding to prevent pressure sores and does not directly relate to the administration of oxygen therapy. Therefore, it is not necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice B rationale
Sterile water is used in oxygen therapy to provide humidification, which prevents the drying and irritation of the respiratory mucosa. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice C rationale
Tape can be used to secure the oxygen delivery device, such as a nasal cannula, to the patient’s face. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice D rationale
A suction canister is used to collect respiratory secretions during suctioning procedures, which may be necessary for patients with excessive secretions or difficulty clearing secretions.
Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice E rationale
A humidifier bottle is used in oxygen therapy to provide humidification, which prevents the drying and irritation of the respiratory mucosa. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.

Choice F rationale
A nasal cannula is a device used to deliver supplemental oxygen to a patient who needs oxygen therapy. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice G rationale
A flowmeter is used in oxygen therapy to control the rate of oxygen flow to the patient. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.

A. Administer IV fluids B. Assess the rash C. Administer an antihistamine D. Administer a steroid

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Administering IV fluids is a potential nursing intervention for several body systems. For example, the circulatory system may require IV fluids to maintain blood volume and pressure. The renal system may need IV fluids to ensure adequate urine output. The digestive system might need IV fluids to compensate for losses from vomiting or diarrhea.
Choice B rationale
Assessing a rash is a potential nursing intervention for the integumentary system. Rashes can be a sign of many different conditions, including allergic reactions, infections, autoimmune diseases, and more. By assessing the rash, the nurse can gather information to help determine its cause and appropriate treatment.
Choice C rationale
Administering an antihistamine is a potential nursing intervention for the immune system. Antihistamines are often used to treat allergic reactions, which involve the immune system.

They can also be used to treat symptoms of the common cold, which is caused by a viral infection.
Choice D rationale
Administering a steroid is a potential nursing intervention for several body systems. Steroids can be used to reduce inflammation, which can benefit the musculoskeletal, integumentary, respiratory, and other systems. They can also be used to treat certain endocrine disorders.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E","F","G"]

Explanation

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

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