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?

Choice A rationale
For a client with Parkinson’s disease who has difficulty swallowing or chewing due to muscle rigidity, semi-solid food with thick liquids can be easier to swallow and reduce the risk of choking19.
Choice B rationale
Minced foods and fluid restriction may not provide the necessary nutrients and hydration for a client with Parkinson’s disease19.
Choice C rationale
A low-residue diet, which is low in fiber, may not be appropriate for a client with Parkinson’s disease, as constipation is a common symptom of the disease and fiber can help alleviate this19.
Choice D rationale
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a method of feeding that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. It is typically reserved for clients who cannot or should not get their nutrition through eating19.

Choice A rationale
Postoperative delirium is a common condition that can occur in older patients after surgery, especially major procedures like hip arthroplasty. It is characterized by a sudden onset of confusion and altered consciousness. This type of delirium is indeed treatable and most patients’ cognition will return to its previous levels. The treatment often involves addressing the underlying causes, such as pain, medication effects, or metabolic imbalances, and providing supportive care. It’s important for the family to understand that this is a temporary condition and does not indicate a permanent change in their loved one’s mental status.
Choice B rationale
While anesthetics can contribute to postoperative delirium, the condition is usually multifactorial and not solely due to the anesthetic used in surgery. Therefore, administering antidotes to the anesthetic is not typically how postoperative delirium is managed. Instead, the focus is on treating the underlying causes and providing supportive care.
Choice C rationale

Delirium does involve a disturbance in cognition, including memory impairment, but it does not involve a progressive decline in memory loss and overall cognitive function. That description is more characteristic of dementia, a different condition. Delirium is typically a temporary condition that improves once the underlying cause is addressed.
Choice D rationale
While postoperative delirium is often self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own over time, it is not accurate to say there is nothing to worry about. Postoperative delirium can be distressing for the patient and their family, and in some cases, it can be associated with longer hospital stays and increased morbidity. Therefore, it is a condition that should be taken seriously and managed appropriately.