A patient in the emergency department with sudden-onset right-sided weakness is diagnosed with an intracerebral hemorrhage. Which information about the patient is most important to communicate to the health care provider?

The potential condition the client is most likely experiencing is a Hemorrhagic Stroke.

1. Prepare the client for a STAT CT brain: The client presents with sudden onset of severe headache described as the worst of their life, along with additional neurological symptoms such as left-sided weakness, aphasia, photophobia, and loss of peripheral vision. These symptoms are highly concerning for a possible hemorrhagic stroke, which requires urgent imaging such as a CT scan of the brain to confirm the diagnosis and guide immediate treatment.
2. Place the client on seizure precautions: The client has reported left-sided weakness and aphasia, indicating neurological deficits. Additionally, they have a history of atrialfibrillation and are on anticoagulant therapy with warfarin, resulting in an elevated INR of4.9. This INR level suggests a significantly increased risk of bleeding, including intracranial bleeding. Given these factors, the client is at risk of experiencing seizures, which is a potential complication of hemorrhagic stroke. Placing the client on seizure precautionsinvolves ensuring their safety and preventing injury in the event of a seizure.

Parameters to Monitor:

1. Temperature: Monitoring temperature is important to assess for the presence of fever, which could indicate an infectious process such as meningitis. However, in this case, theclient's fever is likely related to their urinary tract infection rather than directly related to the stroke. Nonetheless, monitoring temperature is still essential for overall assessment and management.
2. PT/INR: Monitoring the PT/INR is crucial due to the client's history of atrial fibrillation and anticoagulant therapy with warfarin. The elevated INR of 4.9 suggests that the client is at increased risk of bleeding, including intracranial bleeding. Close monitoring of PT/INR levels will help guide adjustments to anticoagulant therapy and assess the risk of further bleeding complications.

A. Obtain the client's heart rate: While obtaining the client's heart rate is important in the assessment of autonomic dysreflexia, assessing for and addressing the underlying cause take precedence.

B. Administer a nitrate antihypertensive: Administering antihypertensive medication may be necessary if autonomic dysreflexia is confirmed, but it is not the first action to take. Addressing the cause of autonomic dysreflexia, such as bladder distention, is the priority.

C. Place the client in a high-Fowler's position: Elevating the client's head may help reduce blood pressure, but it does not address the underlying cause of autonomic dysreflexia. Assessing for and addressing the cause, such as bladder distention, is the priority.

D. Assess the client for bladder distention: Autonomic dysreflexia is commonly triggered by stimuli below the level of spinal cord injury, such as bladder distention. Assessing the client's bladder for distention and addressing any urinary retention or obstruction is the first action to take in managing autonomic dysreflexia.