A 70-year-old female patient with left-sided hemiparesis arrives by ambulance to the emergency department. Which action should the nurse take first?

Send the patient for a computed tomography (CT) scan.

Check the respiratory rate and effort.

Assess the Glasgow Coma Scale score.

Take the patient's blood pressure.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Send the patient for a computed tomography (CT) scan: While obtaining a CT scan is important for diagnosing potential causes of the patient's left-sided hemiparesis, assessing the patient's respiratory status takes precedence to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

B. Check the respiratory rate and effort: Assessing the patient's respiratory rate and effort is the first priority to identify any signs of respiratory distress or compromise. Adequate oxygenation and ventilation are essential for maintaining vital organ function.

C. Assess the Glasgow Coma Scale score: While assessing the Glasgow Coma Scale score is important for evaluating the patient's level of consciousness and neurological status, it is not the first action to take in a patient with potential respiratory compromise.

D. Take the patient's blood pressure: While obtaining the patient's blood pressure is important for assessing hemodynamic stability, it is not the first priority when the patient presents with left-sided hemiparesis and may be at risk for respiratory compromise.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Cardiac monitoring for bradycardia: While cardiac changes can occur with spinal cord injury, respiratory complications are more common and pose a greater immediate threat to the patient's well-being. Therefore, assessing respiratory status takes priority over cardiac monitoring in this situation.

B. Administration of low-molecular-weight heparin: Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis is important for patients with spinal cord injury, but it is not the highest priority within the first 16 hours of admission. Respiratory assessment is more critical for immediate patient safety.

C. Assessment of respiratory rate and effort: Respiratory complications, such as impaired breathing or respiratory failure, are common in patients with spinal cord injury, particularly at the C5 level, which affects the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Early detection of respiratory distress is crucial for timely intervention to prevent respiratory compromise.

D. Application of pneumatic compression devices to legs: Pneumatic compression devices are used for preventing venous thromboembolism, but they do not address the immediate priority of assessing and managing respiratory status in a patient with spinal cord injury.

A. Bradykinesia B. Kernig's sign C. Nuchal rigidity D. Brudzinski's sign

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Bradykinesia: Bradykinesia refers to slowness of movement and is commonly associated with Parkinson's disease. It is not typically assessed through neck flexion in the context of meningitis.

B. Kernig's sign: Kernig's sign is assessed by flexing the patient's hip and knee and then attempting to extend the knee. Resistance or pain during knee extension suggests meningeal irritation, but it does not involve the involuntary flexion of the legs.

C. Nuchal rigidity: Nuchal rigidity refers to stiffness and pain in the neck and inability to flex the neck forward due to inflammation of the meninges. While it is related to meningitis, it does not involve involuntary flexion of the legs.

D. Brudzinski's sign: Brudzinski's sign is a physical exam finding where passive flexion of the neck results in involuntary flexion of the hips and knees. It is a classic sign of meningeal irritation, often seen in meningitis.

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A 70-year-old female patient with left-sided hemiparesis arrives by ambulance to the emergency department. Which action should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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