The nurse is caring for a client receiving thrombolytic therapy following an acute myocardial infarction (MI). Which nursing problem should the nurse identify as priority for this client?

Risk for injury related to effects of thrombolysis.

Activity intolerance related to ischemia.

Ineffective breathing pattern related to adverse drug effects.

Deficient knowledge related to a new medication regimen.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Clients receiving thrombolytic therapy are at an increased risk of bleeding, which can manifest as internal bleeding, hemorrhage at vascular access sites, gastrointestinal bleeding, or intracranial bleeding. The nurse's priority is to closely monitor the client for signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as sudden onset or worsening of headache, changes in level of consciousness, hematuria, melena, ecchymosis, or hematoma formation.
B. While activity intolerance is a common nursing diagnosis for clients following an acute myocardial infarction due to myocardial ischemia, it is not the priority in this case where the client is actively receiving thrombolytic therapy.
C. While respiratory complications can occur following thrombolytic therapy, such as pulmonary embolism or bleeding into the lungs, the risk of bleeding complications takes precedence as the priority nursing problem for this client.
D. Education about the new medication regimen is important for client understanding and adherence, but it is not the priority nursing problem in the immediate post-thrombolytic therapy period.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial infection of the meninges (the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. It is characterized by symptoms such as severe headache, fever, nuchal rigidity (stiff neck), and a petechial rash on the skin. The petechial rash is a distinguishing feature of meningococcal meningitis and is caused by bleeding into the skin due to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) associated with the infection.
B. A cerebrovascular accident, commonly known as a stroke, occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, leading to tissue damage and neurological deficits. While a stroke can cause symptoms such as headache and neurological deficits, it typically does not present with fever, nuchal rigidity, or a petechial rash.

C. Intracerebral hemorrhage is bleeding within the brain tissue, often due to the rupture of a blood vessel. It can cause symptoms such as headache, neurological deficits, and alterations in consciousness, but it typically does not present with fever, nuchal rigidity, or a petechial rash.
D. Rocky mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium. While RMSF can present with fever and rash, it typically does not present with nuchal rigidity, and the petechial rash associated with RMSF tends to start on the extremities rather than the arms and legs.

A. Observe for prolonged periods of apnea. B. Observe for lacerations to the tongue. C. Document details of the seizure activity. D. Evaluate for evidence of incontinence.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This intervention is important for assessing the client's respiratory status during and after the seizure. Apnea can cause cardiac arrest and respiratory failure and hence a priority.
B. This intervention is crucial for assessing potential injury to the client's mouth or tongue, which can occur during a seizure due to involuntary muscle movements. However, before assessing for lacerations, the nurse should prioritize ensuring the client's safety.
C. Documenting details of the seizure activity is important for maintaining accurate medical records and providing information to the healthcare team. However, before documenting details of the seizure, the nurse should prioritize ensuring the client's safety and providing immediate assistance during the seizure. Therefore, while documentation is essential, it may not be the first intervention to implement.
D. While evaluating for incontinence is important for addressing the client's immediate needs and ensuring comfort, it may not be the first intervention to implement. The nurse should prioritize ensuring the client's safety and providing immediate assistance during the seizure.

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The nurse is caring for a client receiving thrombolytic therapy following an acute myocardial infarction (MI). Which nursing problem should the nurse identify as priority for this client?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client presents with the onset of a severe headache, fever, nuchal rigidity, and a petechial rash on arms and legs. The nurse recognizes the client is exhibiting symptoms of which condition?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

While assisting a client to the toilet, the client begins to have a seizure and the nurse eases the client to the floor. The nurse calls for help and monitors the client until the seizing stops. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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