The nurse interviews a client admitted for an outpatient procedure and enters a long list of home medications into the medical record.

The nurse observes several medications that are prescribed for the same indications.

Which instruction is best for the nurse to communicate to the client regarding the multiple prescriptions?

Choice B rationale:

Stroke is a condition that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain tissue damage. Facial drooping and garbled speech are common signs of stroke, especially if they occur suddenly and on one side of the face.Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent further brain damage and complications

Choice C rationale:

An allergic reaction could cause various symptoms, but it typically does not result in facial drooping or garbled speech. Common signs of an allergic reaction include hives, itching, redness, and swelling of the skin, as well as difficulty breathing in severe cases (anaphylaxis). There is no mention of these symptoms in the client’s presentation.

Choice D rationale:

Malignant hypertension is a possibility given the client’s extremely high blood pressure reading. This condition refers to severe hypertension that can quickly lead to organ damage. However, while it can cause neurological symptoms if it leads to a hypertensive crisis, the specific symptoms of facial drooping and garbled speech are more indicative of a stroke. In conclusion, based on the collected data, the nurse recognizes that the client is most likely exhibiting signs of a stroke as evidenced by neurological defects (facial drooping and garbled speech). The client’s high blood pressure and reported alcohol consumption are both risk factors for stroke. Immediate medical intervention is crucial to minimize brain damage and potential complications.

The correct answer is D. Activate the lockdown procedure.

Choice A rationale:

Asking the mother about expected visitors is important for later investigation, but it does not address the immediate concern of a potentially missing infant and delays necessary security measures.

Choice B rationale:

Matching ID bands is an essential step in verifying the identity of infants and mothers, but it should follow initial actions to secure the area and prevent possible abduction.

Choice C rationale:

Determining if the newborn is in the nursery is a logical step but not the first priority. The immediate action should be to secure the unit to prevent any potential abductor from leaving.

Choice D rationale:

Activating the lockdown procedure is the first priority to ensure the safety of the infant and prevent any unauthorized individuals from leaving the facility. This step is crucial to quickly address the situation and prevent potential abduction.