The nurse is caring for a client who reports sudden right-sided numbness and weakness of the arm and leg. The nurse also observes a distinct right-sided facial droop. After reporting the findings to the healthcare provider, the nurse receives several prescriptions for the client, including a STAT computerized tomography scan of the head.
After obtaining vital signs, the nurse should implement which intervention?
Keep the bed in the lowest position and initiate seizure and fall precautions.
Administer aspirin to prevent further clot formation and platelet clumping.
Notify the stroke team to assist with acute assessment and management.
Test for a swallowing reflex and perform communication deficit assessments.
The Correct Answer is C
Based on the client's sudden right-sided numbness, weakness of the arm and leg, and distinct right-sided facial droop, the nurse should suspect a possible stroke and prioritize immediate interventions. After reporting the findings to the healthcare provider and receiving prescriptions, the nurse should implement the following intervention:
Notify the stroke team to assist with acute assessment and management. A stroke is a medical emergency that requires urgent intervention and specialized care. The stroke team is trained to quickly assess and manage stroke patients, including performing necessary diagnostic tests and initiating appropriate treatment. In this case, a STAT computerized tomography (CT) scan of the head has been ordered, indicating the need to evaluate the client's brain for possible ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
While keeping the bed in the lowest position and initiating seizure and fall precautions may be important considerations for stroke patients, notifying the stroke team takes precedence as they are specifically trained to manage acute stroke cases.
Administering aspirin to prevent further clot formation and platelet clumping is not appropriate without further assessment and confirmation of the type of stroke.
Additionally, testing for a swallowing reflex and performing communication deficit assessments can be important components of the overall stroke management plan, but they should be carried out by the stroke team or as directed by the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Unused medication replacement might not be necessary every 6 months and depends on the expiration date of the medication container.
B. Incorrect. Dabigatran capsules should not be crushed or opened, as it can affect the medication's efficacy and increase the risk of bleeding.
C. Incorrect. Storing the medication in the refrigerator is not necessary for dabigatran.
D. Correct. Keeping the medication in the original container helps protect it from moisture and ensures proper identification and labeling.
Correct Answer is ["C","E"]
Explanation
A. Placenta previa: The client's symptoms do not specifically suggest placenta previa, which is characterized by painless vaginal bleeding, not back pain.
B. Disseminated intravascular coagulation: The client's symptoms and vital signs do not suggest disseminated intravascular coagulation, which is a serious condition characterized by excessive bleeding and clotting throughout the body.
C. Preeclampsia: The presence of uterine contractions, elevated blood pressure, and a potential increase in body temperature can indicate the risk of developing preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, often developing after the 20th week of pregnancy.
D. Sepsis: While the client has an elevated temperature, the symptoms provided do not strongly indicate sepsis. Other signs, such as rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and changes in mental status, are usually associated with sepsis.
E. Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PROM): The client's report of lower back pain, pinkish vaginal discharge, and uterine contractions can raise concern for the risk of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes, where the amniotic sac ruptures before the onset of labor.
F. Seizures: The client's symptoms and information provided do not indicate a risk of seizures. Seizures can be associated with conditions like preeclampsia but are not directly indicated by the client's current assessment.
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