A 78-year-old client is admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) with numbness and weakness of the right arm and slurred speech. Which nursing intervention is a priority?
Discuss the precipitating factors that caused the symptoms
Schedule a STAT computed tomography (CT) scan of the head
Prepare to administer recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA)
Notify the Speech Pathologist for an emergency consult
The Correct Answer is B
A. While it's important to gather information about the client's symptoms, the priority in this situation is to determine the underlying cause of the neurological symptoms. A CT scan can quickly identify if there's been a stroke or other brain injury.
B. This is the most appropriate and urgent intervention. A CT scan can rapidly identify if the client has had a stroke, which is a time-sensitive medical emergency. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for minimizing brain damage and improving outcomes.
C. t-PA is a medication used to dissolve blood clots in the brain, but it is only effective if given within a specific time window after the onset of stroke symptoms. Without a confirmed diagnosis of stroke from a CT scan, administering t-PA could be harmful.
D. While a speech pathologist may be involved in the client's care later on, the priority is to determine the underlying cause of the neurological symptoms and initiate appropriate treatment. A CT scan is essential for this purpose.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"C"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
Allogeneic Transplant
Matched Donor: This refers to a donor who is not genetically identical to the recipient but has a similar tissue type. This can include unrelated donors who are matched through registries.
Sibling Donor: A sibling can be a potential donor if they have a matching tissue type. Since siblings share genes, there is a higher chance of finding a match.
Autologous Transplant
Self-Donor: In this type of transplant, the patient donates their own stem cells before undergoing treatment (such as chemotherapy or radiation). These cells are then stored and re-infused after treatment to help the body recover.
Syngeneic Transplant
Twin Donor: This involves a donor who is an identical twin. Since identical twins have the same genetic makeup, there is a perfect match, reducing the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Asking yes or no questions can help facilitate communication, as they require less verbal output from the client and can help the nurse understand the client’s needs or thoughts without overwhelming them
B. This option is somewhat useful, as practicing words can help the client regain some verbal skills. However, it may not be the most effective immediate intervention. Clients with expressive aphasia often struggle to produce speech rather than understand it, and they may not benefit as much from this approach without additional support from speech therapy.
C. This intervention is not beneficial for improving communication. Tracking time spent speaking could create additional pressure on the client and may contribute to frustration rather than facilitate communication. It does not address the underlying issue of expressive aphasia.
D. This is not an appropriate intervention. Changing the subject can confuse or frustrate the client further, making it more difficult for them to communicate. It does not support their efforts to express themselves and may discourage them from trying to communicate altogether.
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.