An occupational health nurse in the clinic of an industrial plant is developing a guidebook for clinic workers. Which of the following actions should the nurse include as a secondary prevention strategy?

Choice A reason: Performing carotid massage is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may worsen the condition or cause complications. Carotid massage is a technique that involves applying pressure to the carotid artery in the neck to stimulate the vagus nerve and slow down the heart rate. It is used to treat some types of arrhythmias, such as supraventricular tachycardia. However, carotid massage may dislodge a blood clot or plaque from the carotid artery and cause an embolic stroke, which is a type of ischemic stroke that occurs when a blood clot travels to the brain and blocks a blood vessel. Carotid massage may also cause bradycardia, hypotension, or syncope, which can reduce the blood flow to the brain and worsen the ischemic damage.

Choice B reason: Calling for help is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it initiates the emergency response and allows for prompt evaluation and treatment. Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. The sooner the stroke is recognized and treated, the better the chances of survival and recovery. Therefore, the nurse should call for help as soon as possible and activate the stroke protocol in the facility.

Choice C reason: Providing the client with water to test the gag reflex is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may cause aspiration or choking. A gag reflex is an involuntary contraction of the throat muscles that prevents foreign objects from entering the airway. It is tested by touching the back of the throat with a tongue depressor or a cotton swab. However, this test is not indicated in a client who has signs of a stroke, as it may trigger vomiting or coughing, which can increase intracranial pressure or cause bleeding. Moreover, giving water to a client who has signs of a stroke may be dangerous, as they may have dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or facial weakness, which can impair their ability to swallow safely and increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Choice D reason: Administering thrombolytics is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may be contraindicated or harmful depending on the type and timing of the stroke. Thrombolytics are medications that dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow. They are used to treat ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain. However, thrombolytics are not effective for hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by bleeding into or around the brain. In fact, thrombolytics may worsen hemorrhagic stroke by increasing bleeding and intracranial pressure. Therefore, thrombolytics should only be given after confirming the type of stroke by imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thrombolytics should also be given within a specific time window after the onset of symptoms, usually within 3 to 4.5 hours, as they may lose their effectiveness or cause complications if given too late. Therefore, administering thrombolytics is not an action that a nurse can take without proper assessment and orders from the health care provider.

Choice A reason: "I may experience urinary incontinence." This statement does not indicate the need for additional teaching. It is a correct statement that reflects an understanding of one of the possible symptoms of MS. Urinary incontinence is caused by nerve damage that affects bladder control.

Choice B reason: "I should not exercise because this may trigger an exacerbation." This statement indicates the need for additional teaching. It is an incorrect statement that reflects a misconception about exercise and MS. Exercise does not cause or worsen MS relapses but rather has many benefits for people with MS, such as improving muscle strength, balance, mobility, mood, and quality of life.

Choice C reason: "I should alternate the eye patch every other day to help with the double vision." This statement indicates the need for additional teaching. It is an incorrect statement that reflects a misunderstanding of how to manage double vision, which is another possible symptom of MS. Alternating the eye patch every other day does not help with double vision, but rather may cause eye fatigue or confusion. The correct way to use an eye patch is to wear it on one eye only when needed, such as when reading or driving.

Choice D reason: "I may experience visual disturbances." This statement does not indicate the need for additional teaching. It is a correct statement that reflects an awareness of another possible symptom of MS. Visual disturbances may include blurred vision, loss of color vision, pain in one eye, or partial or complete blindness.

Choice E reason: "I need to check the water temperature before I take a bath." This statement does not indicate the need for additional teaching. It is a correct statement that reflects a precaution that people with MS should take. Checking the water temperature before taking a bath can prevent burns or scalds, as some people with MS may have reduced sensation or numbness in their skin.