The assessment that indicates a fluid volume excess in a patient in the acute phase of a CVA is:
adventitious breath sounds
weak pulse
hypotension
poor skin turgor
The Correct Answer is A
A. Adventitious breath sounds:
Adventitious breath sounds refer to abnormal lung sounds heard upon auscultation of the chest. These sounds include crackles (rales), wheezes, rhonchi, and pleural friction rubs. In the context of fluid volume excess, particularly in the acute phase of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke, adventitious breath sounds such as crackles are indicative of pulmonary edema. Pulmonary edema occurs when there is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the lungs, impairing gas exchange and leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath and respiratory distress.
B. Weak pulse:
A weak pulse may suggest poor perfusion or decreased cardiac output rather than fluid volume excess. While decreased cardiac output can be a consequence of heart failure, which may be associated with fluid volume excess, a weak pulse is not a direct indicator of fluid overload. In the acute phase of a CVA, a weak pulse may prompt further assessment for other cardiovascular complications or neurogenic shock.
C. Hypotension:
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is not typically associated with fluid volume excess. Instead, hypotension may indicate hypovolemia, shock, or other underlying cardiovascular conditions. While hypotension can occur secondary to severe heart failure or fluid overload in some cases, it is not a direct indicator of fluid volume excess in the acute phase of a CVA.
D. Poor skin turgor:
Poor skin turgor is a clinical finding associated with dehydration rather than fluid volume excess. In dehydration, the skin loses its elasticity and becomes less resilient when pinched. In contrast, fluid volume excess is characterized by edema, which may manifest as pitting or non-pitting edema, rather than poor skin turgor. However, in fluid volume excess, the skin may appear stretched or taut due to the accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The client should maintain systolic BP between 120 and 129 mm Hg.
This is an appropriate recommendation. The American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines recommend maintaining systolic BP below 130 mm Hg to reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events in individuals with a history of stroke or TIA.
B. The client should maintain systolic BP between 130 and 135 mm Hg.
This is slightly above the recommended range. While systolic BP below 135 mm Hg is generally recommended for individuals with a history of stroke or TIA, a range of 130-135 mm Hg may still be acceptable based on individual patient factors and risk assessments.
C. The client should maintain systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg.
This is above the recommended range. Systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg may be considered elevated and should be managed to lower levels to reduce the risk of recurrent TIA or stroke.
D. The client should maintain systolic BP between 141 and 145 mm Hg.
This is above the recommended range. Systolic BP above 140 mm Hg is generally considered elevated and should be managed to lower levels to reduce the risk of recurrent TIA or stroke.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Intellectual capacity is not affected:
This statement refers to the fact that ALS primarily affects motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis, but it typically does not directly impact cognitive function or intellectual capacity. While cognitive impairment is not a hallmark feature of ALS, some individuals may experience changes in cognitive function or behavior, such as executive dysfunction or frontotemporal dementia, in later stages of the disease. However, depression in ALS is not primarily linked to changes in intellectual capacity but rather to other factors such as altered communication, physical limitations, and loss of autonomy.
B. Communication is altered:
ALS can affect the muscles involved in speech and swallowing, leading to difficulties in communicationAs the disease progresses, patients may experience dysarthria (difficulty speaking clearly) and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), which can impair their ability to communicate effectively with others. Altered communication can result in frustration, social isolation, and feelings of being misunderstood, all of which are risk factors for depression.
C. Mobility is limited:
ALS causes progressive muscle weakness and paralysis, which can significantly impair mobility over time. As the disease advances, individuals with ALS may become increasingly dependent on mobility aids such as wheelchairs or may require assistance with mobility tasks. Limited mobility can lead to feelings of loss of independence, decreased participation in activities, and increased dependence on caregivers, all of which can contribute to depression.
D. Nutritional intake is poor:
ALS can affect the muscles involved in swallowing and chewing, leading to difficulties with eating and drinking. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common symptom in ALS and can result in poor nutritional intake and weight loss. Malnutrition and weight loss are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in ALS, and they can also contribute to feelings of weakness, fatigue, and overall decline in quality of life, which may exacerbate depression.

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