The nurse is caring for a patient 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 patient, including a STAT computerized tomography scan of the head.
What intervention should the nurse perform in the immediate management of the patient?

Initiate bilateral intermittent sequential pneumatic compression devices.

Raise the head of the bed to 30 degrees keeping head and neck in neutral alignment.

Maintain elevated positioning of the dependent joints on affected side.

Obtain a focused history to determine recent bleeding and use of anticoagulants.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale

Initiating bilateral intermittent sequential pneumatic compression devices is not the most appropriate immediate intervention for a patient showing signs of a possible stroke. These devices are typically used to prevent deep vein thrombosis in patients who are immobile, not for stroke management.

Choice B rationale

Raising the head of the bed to 30 degrees and keeping the head and neck in neutral alignment is the correct intervention. This position can help reduce intracranial pressure and facilitate venous drainage. In the case of a suspected stroke, it’s crucial to maintain proper cerebral blood flow.

Choice C rationale

Maintaining elevated positioning of the dependent joints on the affected side is not the immediate priority in stroke management. While it’s important to prevent contractures and maintain functional positioning, the immediate concern is to stabilize the patient’s condition.

Choice D rationale

Obtaining a focused history to determine recent bleeding and use of anticoagulants is important, but it’s not the first intervention. While this information will be necessary for the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate course of treatment, the immediate priority is to manage the patient’s acute symptoms.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Evaluating the integrity of the IV insertion site is important, but it does not directly address the patient’s complaint of pain at the right groin insertion site following a cardiac catheterization.

Choice B rationale

Encouraging the patient to take deep breaths can help with overall comfort and oxygenation, but it does not directly address the patient’s complaint of pain at the right groin insertion site following a cardiac catheterization.

Choice C rationale

Assessing distal lower extremity capillary refill can provide information about the patient’s overall circulation, but it does not directly address the patient’s complaint of pain at the right groin insertion site following a cardiac catheterization.

Choice D rationale

Inspecting the femoral site for hematoma formation is the most appropriate action in response to the patient’s complaint of pain at the right groin insertion site after a cardiac catheterization. Hematoma formation is a potential complication of this procedure and can lead to further complications if not addressed promptly. Ulcerative colitisUlcerative colitis Explore

A. Check capillary refill on bilateral upper extremities. B. Administer morphine 2 mg IV as ordered. C. Perform range of motion exercises. D. Administer ondansetron 4 mg IV as ordered.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Checking capillary refill on bilateral upper extremities can help assess peripheral circulation and identify any potential vascular injuries.

Choice B rationale

Administering morphine 2 mg IV as ordered would help manage the patient’s pain.

Choice C rationale

Performing range of motion exercises may not be appropriate immediately after the fall and before the extent of the patient’s injuries are fully assessed.

Choice D rationale

Administering ondansetron 4 mg IV as ordered can help manage any nausea or vomiting that the patient may experience, which can be a side effect of the morphine or a result of the fall itself. TemazepamTemazepam Explore

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

As a nurse, you are reviewing the orders and planning initial steps for caring for the same patient.Which interventions should you perform?

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

While changing a postoperative patient’s dressing, the nurse notices purulent drainage at the site.Before reporting this to the healthcare provider, which of the patient’s lab values should the nurse check?

While preparing to administer a scheduled IV medication, a client complains of pain at the IV site and refuses a flush to assess the site.What should the nurse do next?

The patient is resting in bed and cooperative with her mother at her bedside. Which of the following assessments were made?

A patient undergoing radiation treatment for laryngeal cancer has developed xerostomia and mucositis, leading to an imbalance in nutritional intake.What is the most likely reason for this issue?

Exhibits After the nurse assesses the client, the healthcare provider writes prescriptions. The nurse reviews the prescriptions. Which 2 prescriptions should the nurse complete first?

A patient arrives at the emergency department experiencing chest pain after taking sildenafil.Based on the patient’s history, which medication should the nurse withhold?