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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Sending wound drainage for culture and sensitivity is a key step in diagnosing and treating VRE. This can help determine the most effective antibiotic treatment20.

Choice B rationale

There is no specific “low bacteria diet” recommended for VRE infections20.

Choice C rationale

Standard precautions, including wearing a mask, are important for preventing the spread of VRE1617181920.

Choice D rationale

Contact precautions, such as wearing gloves and gowns, are recommended for staff and visitors to prevent the spread of VRE1617181920.

Choice E rationale

Monitoring the client’s white blood cell count can help assess the body’s response to the infection and the effectiveness of treatment20.

A. Client’s healthcare power of attorney. B. Currently prescribed medications. C. Fall at home as reason for admission. D. Increasing confusion of the patient.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

While the client’s healthcare power of attorney is important information, it is not the most critical piece of information to report in this situation. The immediate concern is the client’s change in mental status and potential medical emergency.

Choice B rationale

The nurse should be aware of the client’s currently prescribed medications, but this information does not take precedence over the client’s sudden onset of confusion and agitation. Immediate action is needed to address the client’s altered mental status.

Choice C rationale

While the reason for the client’s admission is important background information, it is not the most urgent information to report in this situation. The priority is addressing the client’s acute change in mental status.

Choice D rationale

Increasing confusion and agitation in a client who recently underwent ORIF of the right femur is a significant change in condition and may indicate a medical emergency such as infection, delirium, or other complications. This information should be provided first to alert the healthcare provider to the client’s immediate needs.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with a possible vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection is admitted with purulent drainage from an abdominal surgical incision.What nursing interventions should be included in the plan of care? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

After administering the prescribed albuterol nebulizer treatment, what should the nurse assess?

Exhibits The nurse considers the brief interaction with the client and the triage report. What finding(s) should the nurse investigate further? Select all that apply.

An older adult client with dementia is refusing to allow an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to assist in bathing.The client is becoming increasingly agitated and stating the UAP “wants to hurt me and tie me up.”. Which approach should the nurse use with this client?

A young adult is admitted to the emergency department after consuming an unknown quantity of drugs.The patient is unresponsive, and an endotracheal tube (ETT) has been inserted.What methods should the nurse use to confirm the correct placement of the ETT? Select all that apply.

The nurse is teaching an older client about the prevention of osteoporosis.Which foods should the nurse recommend to the client to increase in the diet?

A patient informs the nurse about starting an exercise program a month ago to lose weight and improve sleep.The patient states, “It still takes at least two hours to fall asleep at night.”. What action should the nurse take?