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 ["A","E","F"]

Explanation

A. Suction Tubing: This equipment is necessary for clearing the patient's airway in case of any secretions or vomitus that could obstruct breathing following a seizure episode.

B. Nasogastric Tube: While nasogastric tubes may be necessary in some medical conditions, they are not typically indicated following treatment for status epilepticus unless there are specific concerns related to the patient's condition that require gastric decompression or feeding.

C. Urinary Catheter: While urinary catheters may be used in some cases, they are not routinely required following treatment for status epilepticus unless there are specific concerns about urinary retention or monitoring of urine output.

D. Tongue Blade: Tongue blades are not typically necessary following treatment for status epilepticus. They may pose a risk of injury to the patient if used unnecessarily.

E. Oxygen Mask: Oxygen masks are essential for providing supplemental oxygen to the patient, especially if there are concerns about hypoxia following a seizure episode.

F. Side Rail Pad: Side rail pads are important for preventing injury to the patient during postictal confusion or agitation. They help to protect the patient from accidentally falling out of bed or injuring themselves against the bed rails.

A. Check the client's phenytoin (Dilantin) level. B. Get an order to decrease the rate of IV fluids. C. Ask the woman to describe how she's feeling. D. Offer the client clear liquids to prevent dehydration.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Check the client's phenytoin (Dilantin) level: Checking the phenytoin level would not be relevant in this situation as the client's presentation suggests a possible stroke, not related to phenytoin therapy.

B. Get an order to decrease the rate of IV fluids: While managing fluid balance is important, there is insufficient information to warrant decreasing IV fluids at this time. It's essential to assess the client's overall condition and consult with the healthcare provider before making changes to IV fluid administration.

C. Ask the woman to describe how she's feeling: Assessing the client's symptoms and response to treatment is crucial for monitoring her condition and guiding further interventions, especially in
the context of a possible stroke.

D. Offer the client clear liquids to prevent dehydration: While maintaining hydration is
important, offering clear liquids would not address the potential stroke or irregular respirations. Assessment and intervention related to the client's neurological status and respiratory function take precedence.

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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

A patient who has been treated for status epilepticus in the emergency department will be transferred to the medical nursing unit. Which equipment should the nurse have available in the patient's assigned room? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","E","F"]

Explanation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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