A patient is being admitted with a possible stroke. Which information from the assessment indicates that the nurse should consult with the health care provider before giving a prescribed dose of aspirin?
The patient has dysphasia.
The patient has atrial fibrillation.
The patient has a history of brief episodes of right-sided hemiplegia.
The patient reports that symptoms began with a severe headache.
The Correct Answer is D
A. The patient has dysphasia: Dysphasia (difficulty with speech) is a common symptom of stroke but does not contraindicate the use of aspirin for acute ischemic stroke management. Aspirin is routinely administered in the acute phase of ischemic stroke to prevent further clot formation.
B. The patient has atrial fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of embolic strokes, and aspirin may be used for stroke prevention in certain cases. However, the presence of atrial fibrillation alone does not indicate a contraindication to aspirin administration in the acute setting of a suspected stroke.
C. The patient has a history of brief episodes of right-sided hemiplegia: A history of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or brief episodes of hemiplegia suggests a risk factor for stroke but does not necessarily contraindicate the use of aspirin in the acute phase of stroke
management. Aspirin is commonly used for secondary prevention after TIAs or minor strokes.
D. The patient reports that symptoms began with a severe headache: Severe headache as the initial symptom of stroke raises concerns about a possible hemorrhagic stroke rather than an ischemic stroke. Administration of aspirin in the setting of a hemorrhagic stroke can worsen bleeding and increase morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the nurse should consult with the healthcare provider before giving aspirin to determine the appropriate course of action based on the patient's presentation and diagnostic evaluation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. “You might benefit from some psychological counseling." While psychological counseling may be helpful for coping with the emotional impact of epilepsy, it does not directly address the patient's concern about the possibility of having a seizure at work.
B. “The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation can help with work retraining." While
vocational rehabilitation services may be beneficial for individuals with disabilities, it may not directly address the patient's concern about continuing to work as a teacher.
C. "Epilepsy usually can be well controlled with medications." This response addresses the patient's concern by providing reassurance that epilepsy can often be effectively managed with medications. By effectively controlling seizures, the patient may be able to continue working without the fear of having a seizure at work.
D. “You will want to contact the Epilepsy Foundation for assistance." While the Epilepsy Foundation provides valuable resources and support for individuals with epilepsy, this response does not directly address the patient's concern about continuing to work.
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
A. Slurred speech: This can be a sign of increased ICP but is not typically considered a late sign. It is more often associated with early or moderate increases in ICP when the brain is starting to experience pressure but is not yet at a critical stage.
B. Bradycardia: This is a late sign of increased ICP and is part of Cushing's triad, which includes bradycardia, irregular respirations, and a widened pulse pressure. Bradycardia occurs as a compensatory mechanism to decrease the cerebral blood flow in response to increased ICP.
C. Hypotension: While changes in blood pressure can be associated with ICP, hypotension is not typically a late sign of increased ICP. In fact, hypertension with a widened pulse pressure would be more indicative of increased ICP as part of Cushing's triad.
D. Nonreactive dilated pupils: This is a late sign of increased ICP and indicates brain stem herniation or compression, which is a medical emergency. The pupils become fixed and dilated as the oculomotor nerve is compressed due to increased pressure.
E. Confusion: Confusion can be an early sign of increased ICP as it indicates changes in mental status. However, it is not specifically a late sign of increased ICP, as it can occur at various stages of pressure changes within the brain.
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