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.
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While advising family members to monitor for symptoms of illness is important, it’s not the most crucial action for the nurse to take immediately after testing the patient for COVID-194.
Choice B rationale
Implementing droplet precautions, placing the patient in a private room, and keeping the door closed is the most crucial action. This helps prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 to other patients and healthcare workers.
Choice C rationale
Informing the patient to notify others about potential exposure is important, but it’s not the most crucial action immediately after testing.
Choice D rationale
Initiating an IV infusion for the administration of an antiviral drug is not the most crucial action. Antiviral medication is typically administered after a positive test result, not before.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While altered taste sensation can occur with radiation treatment, it’s not the most likely reason for an imbalance in nutritional intake in this scenario.
Choice B rationale
Fatigue can be a side effect of radiation treatment, but it’s not the primary reason for an imbalance in nutritional intake in this case.
Choice C rationale
Pain during eating is the most likely cause of imbalanced nutritional intake in this scenario. The patient’s laryngeal cancer and the development of mucositis indicate that eating is likely painful for them. This discomfort can significantly deter the patient from eating, leading to decreased nutritional intake.
Choice D rationale
Nausea can occur with radiation treatment, but it’s not the primary reason for an imbalance in nutritional intake in this case.
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