An unresponsive male victim of a diving accident is brought to the emergency department where it is determined that immediate surgery is required to save his life.

The client is accompanied by a close friend, but no family members are available.

Which action should the nurse take first?

Choice D rationale:

Taking zolpidem before bedtime is the correct information to include in the education. Zolpidem is a medication used for the short-term treatment of insomnia and should be taken immediately before going to bed to facilitate sleep onset.

Choice A rationale:

Crushing zolpidem to increase absorption is not recommended. The medication should be taken whole and not crushed or chewed.

Choice B rationale:

Storing zolpidem at room temperature is correct. Like many medications, zolpidem should be stored at a controlled room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Choice C rationale:

Administering zolpidem with a meal is not necessary and may delay the onset of its effects. It is typically taken on an empty stomach for faster absorption.

Choice A rationale:

The client’s presentation of a noticeable facial droop and garbled speech are classic symptoms of a stroke. These symptoms indicate that the brain is not receiving enough oxygen, which can lead to permanent damage if not treated immediately. Therefore, this client requires immediate health interventions.

Choice B rationale:

This choice is identical to Choice A. The client’s noticeable facial droop and garbled speech are indicative of a stroke and require immediate attention.

Choice C rationale:

This choice is also identical to Choices A and B. The client’s symptoms are indicative of a stroke, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.

Choice D rationale:

While the change in the client’s speech after having a few drinks at a restaurant could be due to alcohol consumption, it could also be a symptom of a stroke, especially when combined with the facial droop. However, this choice does not directly indicate the need for immediate health interventions as it lacks the specificity of the symptoms compared to Choices A, B, and C.

Choice E rationale:

The time of arrival and mode of transportation do not directly indicate the need for immediate health interventions. However, the mention of facial drooping and garbled speech upon arrival at the emergency department reinforces the urgency of the situation, as these are classic symptoms of a stroke. In conclusion, Choices A, B, C, and E all highlight data that indicate the client is in need of immediate health interventions due to potential stroke symptoms. It’s important to note that strokes require immediate medical attention to minimize brain damage and potential complications. Normal ranges for lab parameters would not apply in this scenario as it’s based on clinical observations rather than laboratory findings.