Neurologic Case Study
Patient Profile:
- Age: 68 years.
- Gender: Male.
- Medical History: Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
- Medications: Lisinopril, Metformin.
- Allergies: None.
Chief Complaint: The patient presents to the emergency department (ED) with a sudden onset of right-sided weakness and difficulty speaking that began approximately 1 hour prior to arrival.
What is a potential complication of the patient's condition?
Kidney failure
Aspiration pneumonia
Hypotension
Heart failure
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Kidney failure is not a common immediate complication related to the patient's presentation of sudden right-sided weakness and difficulty speaking, which are indicative of a stroke. Although diabetes and hypertension can eventually lead to kidney issues, this is not an acute complication.
Choice B reason: Aspiration pneumonia is a potential complication of the patient's condition, especially given the presence of expressive aphasia. Patients with neurological deficits, particularly those affecting speech and swallowing, are at higher risk of aspirating food or liquids into the lungs, leading to pneumonia.
Choice C reason: Hypotension is not commonly a direct complication of a stroke, especially considering the patient's elevated blood pressure. Stroke patients often present with hypertension rather than hypotension.
Choice D reason: Heart failure, while related to the patient's underlying conditions like hypertension and possibly diabetes, is not an immediate complication of the acute neurological event described. The focus should be more on the neurological and respiratory complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administering antibiotics is essential for treating cellulitis to eliminate the infection. However, it is not the immediate priority over maintaining oxygenation, especially in a patient with sickle cell disease.
Choice B reason: Starting IV fluids is crucial for preventing dehydration and helping to reduce the sickling of red blood cells. Nevertheless, while important, it is not the most urgent action compared to maintaining adequate oxygen levels.
Choice C reason: Assessing pain every 4 hours is necessary for managing the patient's comfort and monitoring the progression of the disease. Although pain management is a significant aspect of care, it is not the top priority in this scenario.
Choice D reason: Maintaining oxygenation is the highest priority for a patient with sickle cell disease. These patients are at increased risk for hypoxia, which can exacerbate the sickling of red blood cells, leading to severe complications such as acute chest syndrome or stroke. Ensuring adequate oxygenation helps to prevent these complications and stabilizes the patient's condition.
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Upper endoscopy is not typically used to diagnose cholecystitis. It is more commonly used to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
Choice B reason: Stool samples are not relevant for diagnosing cholecystitis. They are more commonly used to detect gastrointestinal infections or bleeding.
Choice C reason: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a valuable diagnostic tool for cholecystitis, especially when there is suspicion of bile duct obstruction or gallstones.
Choice D reason: Abdominal ultrasound is the most common and preferred imaging test for diagnosing cholecystitis. It can visualize the gallbladder and detect gallstones, inflammation, or other abnormalities.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
