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 B
Explanation
A. Explaining the examination and asking the client to sign the consent form is not within the PN's scope of practice. It is the responsibility of the healthcare provider performing the procedure to explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the exam and to obtain informed consent from the client.
B. Checking the medical record for the correct signed consent form prior to the examination is an essential role for the practical nurse. It ensures that informed consent has been obtained and documented before proceeding with any invasive procedure, aligning with the PN's responsibility to verify necessary documentation.
C. Explaining to a family member and obtaining their signature on the consent form may be appropriate only if the client is unable to provide consent and has a legal representative. However, obtaining consent and explaining the procedure is still the responsibility of the healthcare provider, not the PN.
D. Asking if the client understands the exam and why the consent form must be signed is part of the PN's role in ensuring that the client is informed, but the PN cannot assume responsibility for explaining the procedure in detail. This should be done by the healthcare provider who will perform the exam.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Correct- Electrolyte imbalances, particularly involving electrolytes like potassium, can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Elevated blood pressure can strain the cardiovascular system, and mental status changes could indicate potential neurologic and cardiovascular involvement. Auscultating for an irregular heart rate helps identify any immediate cardiac issues that require intervention.
B) Incorrect- While monitoring sodium intake is important for clients with chronic kidney disease, it is not the most urgent action in this scenario. The presence of electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, and changes in mental status indicate a more acute concern that requires immediate assessment.
C) Incorrect- Documenting abdominal girth is relevant for assessing fluid status, but in this situation, the presence of electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, and mental status changes indicates a more critical issue that requires prompt intervention.
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