A patient arrives in the emergency department exhibiting symptoms of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Which diagnostic evaluations would the nurse anticipate before treatment is initiated?
Prothrombin level
Brain CT or MRI
Chest x-ray
Lumbar puncture
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While prothrombin level is an important test in evaluating blood clotting disorders, it is not typically used in the initial diagnostic evaluations for a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke.
Choice B rationale
Brain CT or MRI scans are commonly used in the initial diagnostic evaluations for a CVA. These imaging tests can show bleeding in the brain, an ischemic stroke, a tumor, or other conditions.
Choice C rationale
A chest x-ray is not typically used in the initial diagnostic evaluations for a CVA. It is more commonly used to diagnose conditions affecting the lungs and heart.
Choice D rationale
A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, may be used in some cases to help diagnose a CVA, but it is not typically part of the initial diagnostic evaluations.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Herpes simplex virus encephalitis is a severe condition that requires immediate treatment. The most common medication used for this condition is acyclovir, which is administered intravenously. Acyclovir works by inhibiting the replication of the virus, thereby reducing the severity and duration of the infection.
Choice B rationale
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive medication that is often used to prevent organ rejection after transplantation. It is not typically used in the treatment of viral infections such as herpes simplex virus encephalitis.
Choice C rationale
Without specific information about “Medication C”, it’s difficult to provide a rationale.
However, it’s important to note that the treatment of herpes simplex virus encephalitis typically involves antiviral medications, with acyclovir being the most commonly used.
Choice D rationale
Similar to Choice C, without specific information about “Medication D”, providing a rationale is challenging. As mentioned, the standard treatment for herpes simplex virus encephalitis is acyclovir.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Status epilepticus is a medical emergency characterized by continuous or rapid-fire seizures. Intravenous diazepam is one of the first-line treatments for this condition. It works by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity, thereby helping to stop the seizure.
Choice B rationale
Oral lorazepam is not typically used to halt a seizure immediately due to its slower onset of action compared to intravenous administration.
Choice C rationale
Oral phenytoin is not typically used to halt a seizure immediately. It is more commonly used for the long-term management of seizures.
Choice D rationale
Intravenous phenobarbital is a second-line treatment for status epilepticus, used when first- line treatments such as diazepam are ineffective.
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