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. “You might benefit from some psychological counseling." While psychological counseling may be helpful for coping with the emotional impact of epilepsy, it does not directly address the patient's concern about the possibility of having a seizure at work.

B. “The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation can help with work retraining." While
vocational rehabilitation services may be beneficial for individuals with disabilities, it may not directly address the patient's concern about continuing to work as a teacher.

C. "Epilepsy usually can be well controlled with medications." This response addresses the patient's concern by providing reassurance that epilepsy can often be effectively managed with medications. By effectively controlling seizures, the patient may be able to continue working without the fear of having a seizure at work.

D. “You will want to contact the Epilepsy Foundation for assistance." While the Epilepsy Foundation provides valuable resources and support for individuals with epilepsy, this response does not directly address the patient's concern about continuing to work.

A. Start a labetalol drip to keep BP less than 140/90 mm Hg. B. Keep the head of the bed elevated at least 30 degrees. C. Begin tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) intravenously per protocol. D. Infuse normal saline intravenously at 75 mL/hr.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Start a labetalol drip to keep BP less than 140/90 mm Hg: This order is appropriate because it aims to lower the patient's blood pressure to a target range recommended for acute ischemic stroke management.

B. Keep the head of the bed elevated at least 30 degrees: This intervention is part of stroke management to prevent aspiration and improve cerebral perfusion.

C. Begin tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) intravenously per protocol: The nurse should question this order because tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is contraindicated in patients with stroke who have had symptoms for more than 3 hours or have unknown time of onset, as in this case where the patient has been aphasic for 3 hours. Administering tPA in this situation could increase the risk of bleeding complications without providing benefit.

D. Infuse normal saline intravenously at 75 mL/hr: This order is appropriate for maintaining hydration and intravascular volume in the acute care setting.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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