The nurse is assessing a patient’s visual acuity using a Snellen chart. The patient states he cannot see the top of the chart.
What action should the nurse take?

Document findings

Determine whether the patient can count fingers

Obtain a tumbling E chart to assess visual acuity

Complete an internal eye exam .

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice B rationale
If a patient states that he cannot see the top of the Snellen chart, the nurse should determine whether the patient can count fingers. If the patient is unable to read the top line of the Snellen

chart at 6 meters, the nurse can reduce the distance to 3 meters from the Snellen chart. If the patient still cannot read the chart, the nurse can then determine whether the patient can count fingers.
Choice A rationale
While documenting findings is an important part of the nursing process, it would not be the immediate action the nurse should take if a patient cannot see the top of the Snellen chart.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining a tumbling E chart to assess visual acuity could be considered if the patient is unable to read letters or numbers, but it would not be the immediate action the nurse should take if a patient cannot see the top of the Snellen chart.
Choice D rationale
Completing an internal eye exam would not be the immediate action the nurse should take if a patient cannot see the top of the Snellen chart.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Facial droop is a classic symptom of stroke. It occurs when there’s weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, which is caused by a disruption in the nerve signals due to a stroke. This can be easily observed in the person’s smile, as it will appear uneven.
Choice B rationale
While dysrhythmias can be associated with stroke, they are not the most indicative symptom. Dysrhythmias are more commonly associated with heart conditions.
Choice C rationale
Periorbital edema, or swelling around the eyes, is not typically a symptom of stroke. It can be caused by various conditions such as allergies, infections, or kidney problems.
Choice D rationale
Projectile vomiting is not typically a symptom of stroke. It can be caused by various conditions such as gastrointestinal issues, brain tumors, or increased intracranial pressure.

A. Have the patient lie flat for 6 hours. B. Have the patient lie in a semi-Fowler’s position with the head of the bed at 35 degrees. C. Early ambulation. D. Have the patient lie flat for 1 hour, then sit up for 1 hour before ambulating.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
After a lumbar puncture, it is important for the patient to lie flat for approximately 6 hours. This position helps to prevent headaches that can occur after the procedure, which are caused by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid at the needle puncture site. Lying flat allows the puncture site to seal and prevents the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.
Choice B rationale
Having the patient lie in a semi-Fowler’s position with the head of the bed at 35 degrees is not typically recommended immediately after a lumbar puncture. This position could potentially increase the risk of a post-lumbar puncture headache.
Choice C rationale
Early ambulation is not recommended after a lumbar puncture. Moving around too soon after the procedure can increase the risk of a headache and may also increase the risk of complications at the puncture site.
Choice D rationale
Having the patient lie flat for 1 hour, then sit up for 1 hour before ambulating is not a typical recommendation after a lumbar puncture. The standard recommendation is to have the patient lie flat for approximately 6 hours to reduce the risk of complications.

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The nurse is assessing a patient’s visual acuity using a Snellen chart. The patient states he cannot see the top of the chart. What action should the nurse take?

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The nurse is assessing a patient’s visual acuity using a Snellen chart. The patient states he cannot see the top of the chart.
What action should the nurse take?