Twenty minutes after the onset of symptoms, an adult client presents to the emergency department with slurred speech and right-sided weakness. After a computerized tomography (CT) scan reveals a non-hemorrhagic stroke, the nurse administers alteplase. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention?
Headache with blurred vision.
Lower extremity edema.
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
Frequent premature ventricular contractions.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: A headache with blurred vision following alteplase administration could indicate intracranial hemorrhage, which requires immediate intervention.
Choice B reason: Lower extremity edema is not typically an immediate concern post-alteplase administration unless it indicates a deep vein thrombosis.
Choice C reason: Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia requires monitoring, but it is not as urgent as a headache with blurred vision, which could signify a life-threatening complication.
Choice D reason: Frequent premature ventricular contractions should be monitored, but they are not as critical as a headache with blurred vision post-alteplase.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Reviewing the medical record for the date of insertion is important but does not address the immediate concern of pain or potential complications at the IV site.
Choice B reason: Applying ice and then a warm compress may be used for phlebitis or infiltration, but if the client is experiencing pain, the priority is to address the potential for complications.
Choice C reason: Documentation is a necessary step, but it should not be the first action taken when a client reports pain at the IV site.
Choice D reason: If the IV site is painful, it may be indicative of infiltration, phlebitis, or another complication. The nurse should discontinue the painful IV and insert a new one at a different site to prevent further discomfort and potential harm to the client.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is: c. Inspiratory and expiratory bilateral crackles.
Choice A: Average urine output of 28 mL/hour
Reason: The normal urine output for an adult is typically 0.5 mL/kg/hr, which translates to about 30-50 mL/hr for most adults. An average urine output of 28 mL/hour is slightly below this range, indicating possible inadequate fluid resuscitation. However, it is not immediately life-threatening and does not warrant the most urgent intervention compared to other options.
Choice B: Vesicular bibasilar breath sounds
Reason: Vesicular breath sounds are normal lung sounds heard over most of the lung fields. They are soft and low-pitched, indicating that the airways are clear. Therefore, vesicular bibasilar breath sounds do not indicate any immediate respiratory distress or fluid overload and do not require urgent intervention.
Choice C: Inspiratory and expiratory bilateral crackles
Reason: Crackles, also known as rales, are abnormal lung sounds that indicate the presence of fluid in the alveoli. Bilateral crackles heard during both inspiration and expiration suggest significant pulmonary edema or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which can be life-threatening and requires immediate intervention.
Choice D: Central venous pressure of 12 mm Hg
Reason: The normal range for central venous pressure (CVP) is 2-8 mm Hg. A CVP of 12 mm Hg is elevated, indicating possible fluid overload or heart failure. While this is concerning and requires monitoring, it is not as immediately critical as bilateral crackles, which directly affect oxygenation and respiratory function.
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