Exhibits
Complete the diagram by choosing from the choices below to specify which condition the client is most likely experiencing, two actions the nurse should take to address the condition, and two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.
The Correct Answer is []
Condition: Transient ischemic stroke (d)
2 actions:
- Request a prescription for a computerized tomography (CT) scan of the client's head and neck (d)
- Perform a National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) assessment (e)
2 parameters:
- Neurological status (a)
- Blood pressure (c)
Rationale for correct condition: A transient ischemic stroke (TIA) is a temporary period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke and is often a precursor to a full-blown stroke. The patient's symptoms of dizziness, weakness, and a horrible headache, combined with his history of hypertension and atrial fibrillation, suggest a high risk for a TIA. The patient's confusion about the date and time also supports this condition. Immediate assessment and intervention are crucial to prevent a possible stroke.
Rationale for the two correct actions:
- Request a prescription for a CT scan: This is essential to identify any blockages or abnormalities in the blood vessels of the brain, confirming the presence and extent of a TIA or stroke.
- Perform an NIHSS assessment: This standardized tool is used to evaluate the severity of a stroke and to monitor changes in the patient's neurological status over time.
Rationale for parameters to monitor:
- Neurological status: Monitoring this parameter helps track changes in the patient's cognitive and motor functions, which are critical in assessing the progression or improvement of the stroke symptoms.
- Blood pressure: Hypertension is a major risk factor for strokes. Keeping a close watch on the blood pressure helps in managing and reducing the risk of further complications.
Rationale for incorrect conditions:
- Hypoglycemia: While it can cause dizziness and weakness, the patient's recent UTI and headache are not typical for hypoglycemia.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: This would typically present with more severe neurological symptoms and possible loss of consciousness.
- Urinary tract infection: The patient's symptoms go beyond those of a UTI, especially given the headache, dizziness, and confusion.
Rationale for incorrect actions to take:
- Administer 0.9% sodium chloride IV: Not specific to stroke management and doesn't address the immediate risk.
- Administer oxygen via nasal cannula: The patient's oxygen saturation is normal; thus, this is not immediately necessary.
- Request a prescription for the client's home medication of aspirin: While aspirin is used for stroke prevention, administering it without confirming the stroke type (ischemic vs hemorrhagic) could be harmful.
Rationale for incorrect parameters to monitor:
- Respiratory rate: This is not directly related to stroke assessment.
- Urine output: Irrelevant to the immediate management of TIA.
- Oxygen saturation: The patient's oxygen levels are normal, so monitoring it won't provide further insights.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["400"]
Explanation
Step-by-Step Calculation:
Step 1: Determine the total volume to be infused 100 mL
Step 2: Convert minutes to hours 15 minutes ÷ 60 minutes per hour = 0.25 hours
Step 3: Calculate the infusion rate in mL/hr 100 mL ÷ 0.25 hours = 400 mL/hr
Answer: 400 mL/hr
So, the nurse should program the infusion pump to deliver 400 mL/hr.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This option has some errors in the text. The correct explanation should note that carbidopa-levodopa does help reduce the tremors caused by Parkinson's disease, but it primarily works by increasing dopamine levels rather than by assisting other medications. The choice does not clearly state the main mechanism of action of carbidopa-levodopa.
Choice B reason: Carbidopa-levodopa is a combination drug used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain, helping to replenish the depleted dopamine levels. Carbidopa helps to prevent the breakdown of levodopa before it reaches the brain. This increases the amount of dopamine available, which is crucial for muscle function and reducing symptoms like tremors and rigidity.
Choice C reason: This option is incorrect because carbidopa-levodopa does not work by reducing inflammation. Instead, it focuses on restoring the balance of dopamine in the brain. Parkinson's disease is primarily a neurodegenerative disorder, not an inflammatory one, so this explanation does not align with the drug's mechanism of action.
Choice D reason: This option is also incorrect as it suggests that carbidopa-levodopa works by slowing the degeneration of the myelin sheath. Parkinson's disease involves the loss of dopamine-producing neurons, not the degeneration of myelin. Therefore, this explanation does not accurately reflect the drug's purpose or mechanism.
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