A nurse is educating a newly licensed nurse about pain. Which of the following is an example of acute pain?

Choice A rationale: The nurse should prepare to administer tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). This medication is used to dissolve blood clots that have formed in the blood vessels of the brain. The client’s CT scan shows a large area of decreased attenuation in the left hemisphere, which is indicative of a stroke. The administration of tPA is time-sensitive and should be initiated as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms if there is no evidence of hemorrhage on the CT scan.

Choice B rationale: Positioning the client on his right side is not necessarily beneficial in this situation. The client is experiencing symptoms of a stroke, and positioning will not alleviate these symptoms. It is more important to focus on interventions that can potentially reverse the effects of the stroke, such as the administration of tPA.

Choice C rationale: There is no indication that the client requires a bolus of 50% dextrose. The client’s blood glucose levels are within normal limits, and hypoglycemia is not a concern at this time. Administering a bolus of 50% dextrose without indication could potentially lead to hyperglycemia.

Choice D rationale: The nurse should anticipate the need for endotracheal intubation. The client’s condition is deteriorating, and he is now unresponsive to verbal stimuli and only responds to painful stimuli. This indicates a decreased level of consciousness, which can compromise the client’s airway. Endotracheal intubation may be necessary to protect the client’s airway and ensure adequate ventilation.

Choice E rationale: The nurse should prepare to administer antihypertensive medication. The client’s blood pressure is significantly elevated, which can further exacerbate the damage caused by a stroke. Antihypertensive medication can help to lower the client’s blood pressure and reduce the risk of further complications.

Choice F rationale: The nurse should use a calm and reassuring approach when interacting with the client. This can help to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of safety. It is important to remember that the client may be scared and confused due to his symptoms, and a calm and reassuring approach can help to alleviate these feelings.

Choice G rationale: Restricting all fluids and sodium intake is not indicated in this situation. While fluid and sodium balance is important in stroke patients, there is no indication that the client is fluid overloaded or has a condition that would require sodium restriction. Furthermore, the client has been prescribed IV fluids, indicating that fluid restriction is not appropriate at this time.

Choice A rationale
While a CT angiogram can indeed reveal fractures within the skull or spine, this is not its primary purpose in the context of a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The main goal is to visualize the blood vessels in the brain.
Choice B rationale
A CT angiogram does not primarily reveal overproduction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is used to visualize the blood vessels in the brain.
Choice C rationale
While a CT angiogram can show areas of edema within the brain tissue, this is not its main purpose in the context of a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The primary goal is to visualize the blood vessels in the brain.

Choice D rationale
A CT angiogram can indeed reveal decreased blood flow related to vasospasm in the context of a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Vasospasm is a condition in which blood vessels spasm, leading to vasoconstriction. This can reduce blood flow to the brain, which can be visualized on a CT angiogram.