The nurse is caring for client who has had a stroke and who has received tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) 4 hours ago in the emergency department. During the nurse's initial assessment, which of the following signs and symptoms are indications of a complication post thrombolytic therapy? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Fever and Cardiac dysrhythmias
Elevated BP & patient reports headache
Positive Babinski’s sign
Patient has vomited once and reports nausea
decreased level of consciousness
Correct Answer : B,D,E
A. Fever and cardiac dysrhythmias are not specific complications of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) therapy. While they can occur after a stroke or as a general response to illness, they are not the primary indicators of complications related to thrombolytic therapy.
B. An elevated blood pressure combined with a headache could indicate a hemorrhagic transformation, which is a serious complication after t-PA administration. Thrombolytic therapy increases the risk of bleeding, and these symptoms may signal intracranial hemorrhage.
C. A positive Babinski's sign (extensor plantar response) is often seen in stroke patients as a neurological finding, but it is not specifically an indication of a complication from t-PA therapy. It is more reflective of the brain injury or stroke itself rather than the medication.
D. Nausea and vomiting can be signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), which could result from hemorrhage following t-PA therapy. This is a critical sign that requires immediate evaluation to rule out complications such as bleeding.
E. A decreased level of consciousness is a significant red flag and may indicate cerebral hemorrhage or another serious complication related to the administration of t-PA. Monitoring for changes in neurological status is crucial following thrombolytic therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Urticaria (hives) is not a common side effect of radiation therapy. The skin should be examined for localized radiation-induced skin changes, such as erythema or dryness, rather than generalized urticaria.
B. Radiation therapy can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infection. The nurse should monitor for signs of infection, especially in areas affected by radiation, as the skin and mucous membranes can become more vulnerable.
C. Low hemoglobin is not a direct or immediate concern related to radiation therapy for lung cancer. However, it could occur if the patient experiences bone marrow suppression, but this is not typically the primary concern for radiation therapy to the lung.
D. Xerostomia (dry mouth) is more commonly associated with radiation therapy to the head and neck area. Radiation to the lungs generally does not affect salivary glands, so monitoring for xerostomia is not necessary in this case.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The subdivision of pancreatic tumors into endocrine versus exocrine reflects their cell of origin (islet cells versus ductal cells) rather than conveying information about how the cancer behaves in situ or its propensity for local invasion and metastasis
B. Unlike some other cancers (e.g., colorectal cancer), pancreatic cancer does not typically develop from polyps. Most cases of pancreatic cancer develop from the pancreatic ductal cells (the cells lining the ducts of the pancreas), and the disease is typically aggressive and diagnosed at a later stage.
C. Because the pancreas lies deep in the retroperitoneum directly adjacent to major vessels like the superior mesenteric artery and portal vein, tumors often extend into these structures early, contributing to the high rate of advanced disease at diagnosis
D. Pancreatic cancer is not distinguished based on layers. Instead, it is generally categorized based on the type of cells it affects (e.g., ductal cells in exocrine pancreatic cancer). The staging of pancreatic cancer is based on factors like tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis, rather than the layers of the pancreas.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
