The nurse is caring for a client who reports a sudden, severe headache, and facial numbness.The nurse asks the client to smile and observes an uneven smile with a facial droop to the right side and a hand grasp strength that is weaker on the right than the left. The client denies a recent history of headaches or trauma. After obtaining vital signs, the nurse should implement which intervention?
Place an indwelling urinary catheter and measure strict intake and output.
Maintain elevated positioning of the dependent joints on affected side.
Raise the head of the bed to 30 degrees keep head and neck in neutral alignment.
Determine when symptoms began and if improved or worsened since onset.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Incorrect- While monitoring urinary output is important for overall assessment, it is not the most critical intervention in this situation of suspected stroke. The client's neurological symptoms take precedence.
B) Incorrect- Positioning might be relevant to preventing complications, but it is not the highest priority intervention in this situation. The focus should be on assessing the client's neurological status and determining appropriate intervention.
C) Incorrect- Although head positioning is relevant for intracranial pressure management, it is not the immediate priority. The nurse should first assess the time of symptom onset and determine if the client is experiencing an acute stroke.
D) Correct- The client's symptoms, including sudden severe headache, facial numbness, facial droop, and weakness on one side, are suggestive of a stroke. The nurse should prioritize assessing the time of symptom onset, as time is a crucial factor in determining the appropriate intervention. Rapid intervention can improve outcomes in stroke cases, especially when considering interventions like thrombolytic therapy. The other options are not as directly relevant to the immediate management of a suspected stroke.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Correct- Clients with Parkinson's disease often experience bradykinesia and impaired mobility. Rising slowly from a seated position is important to prevent falls and maintain stability. Affirming the correct movement strategy promotes the client's safety.
B) Incorrect- Telling the UAP to make the client move more quickly could be unsafe and not appropriate for a client with Parkinson's disease. Rapid movements might lead to balance issues or falls.
C) Incorrect- While demonstrating proper technique might be helpful, it's not the most immediate action the nurse should take. The client's safety and well-being are the priority.
D) Incorrect- Painful movement is not the primary issue here. The client's movement is slow due to Parkinson's disease, and this is expected.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect- Liver enzymes are important for assessing liver function, but they are not the primary concern when a client with chronic kidney disease is feeling increasingly tired. Epoetin alfa injections are used to stimulate red blood cell production, so the nurse should review a laboratory value related to anemia.
B) Correct- Epoetin alfa is a medication that stimulates the production of red blood cells and is often used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease. A complete blood count (CBC) would provide information about red blood cell levels, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, which are essential for assessing the effectiveness of the treatment.
C) Incorrect- Serum electrolytes are important for assessing overall kidney function and electrolyte balance, but the primary concern here is the client's increasing fatigue. Reviewing a value related to anemia and red blood cell production would be more appropriate.
D) Incorrect- Platelet count is important for assessing blood clotting function, but it's not directly related to the client's increasing fatigue. Anemia-related laboratory values should be the focus.
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