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","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Weighing the client daily, in the morning, is an important intervention for a client with heart failure (HF) being treated with diuretics for fluid volume excess. Daily weights can help monitor the client’s fluid status and the effectiveness of the diuretic therapy.
Choice B rationale
Teaching the client how to restrict dietary sodium is an important intervention for a client with HF being treated with diuretics for fluid volume excess. A low-sodium diet can help prevent fluid retention and exacerbation of HF3.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring coagulation laboratory values is not typically necessary for a client with HF being treated with diuretics for fluid volume excess, unless the client is also receiving anticoagulant therapy.
Choice D rationale
Observing for evidence of hypokalemia is an important intervention for a client with HF being treated with diuretics for fluid volume excess. Diuretics can cause loss of potassium, which can lead to hypokalemia.
Choice E rationale
Encouraging an oral fluid intake of 3,000 mL/day is not typically recommended for a client with HF being treated with diuretics for fluid volume excess. Excessive fluid intake can exacerbate HF3.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Offering the client oral fluids is important for hydration, but it may not be appropriate for all patients, especially those with certain medical conditions or those who are NPO (nothing by mouth)7.
Choice B rationale
Feeding the client a snack can help maintain energy levels, but it may not be appropriate for all patients, especially those with dietary restrictions or those who are NPO7.
Choice C rationale
Assessing breath sounds is an important part of respiratory assessment, but it is not typically within the scope of practice for unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). This task should be performed by a licensed nurse.
Choice D rationale
Emptying the urinary drainage bag is an appropriate task for a UAP to perform each time the client is turned. This helps ensure accurate measurement of urinary output and prevents infection by keeping the bag below the level of the bladder.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.