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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Send the patient for a computed tomography (CT) scan: While obtaining a CT scan is important for diagnosing potential causes of the patient's left-sided hemiparesis, assessing the patient's respiratory status takes precedence to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
B. Check the respiratory rate and effort: Assessing the patient's respiratory rate and effort is the first priority to identify any signs of respiratory distress or compromise. Adequate oxygenation and ventilation are essential for maintaining vital organ function.
C. Assess the Glasgow Coma Scale score: While assessing the Glasgow Coma Scale score is important for evaluating the patient's level of consciousness and neurological status, it is not the first action to take in a patient with potential respiratory compromise.
D. Take the patient's blood pressure: While obtaining the patient's blood pressure is important for assessing hemodynamic stability, it is not the first priority when the patient presents with left-sided hemiparesis and may be at risk for respiratory compromise.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Oral Levetiracetam: Oral medications are not appropriate for immediate seizure management during an active seizure. Intravenous medications are typically used for acute seizure management.
B. IV Lorazepam: Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that is commonly used as a first-line medication for terminating acute seizures. It acts quickly to suppress seizure activity and is often administered intravenously during a seizure episode.
C. IV Ondansetron: Ondansetron is an antiemetic medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting and is not indicated for seizure management.
D. Magnesium Sulfate: Magnesium sulfate is not typically used for seizure management in the acute setting. It may be used for certain types of seizures or as a treatment for eclampsia, but it is not a first-line medication for acute seizure termination.
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