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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

A. Bacitracin is an antibiotic ointment typically used to prevent or treat bacterial infections in minor cuts and scrapes. It is not appropriate for treating a pruritic rash associated with GVHD. The rash may not be due to an infection but rather an immune response, so using bacitracin would not address the underlying issue.
B. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and hydroxyzine are antihistamines that can help alleviate itching and provide relief from pruritus. Requesting a prescription for one of these medications is an appropriate response to manage the symptoms of GVHD.
C. Showering with cool water can soothe irritated skin and reduce itching. Using mild soap helps to avoid further irritation or dryness that harsher soaps can cause. This intervention supports skin care and helps manage pruritus effectively.
D. Clipping fingernails can help prevent skin damage from scratching, which could lead to secondary infections. Encouraging the use of prescribed lotions can help keep the skin moisturized and alleviate dryness, further addressing the pruritus associated with GVHD.

A. changing the surgical dressing when it becomes saturated with drainage. B. encouraging the client to obtain permanent breast prosthesis as soon as she is discharged from the hospital. C. placing a limb alert bracelet on the right wrist as warning against blood pressure or venipunctures. D. teaching the client to use the prescribed patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) every 20 mintues for the best pain relief.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While it's important to monitor the surgical dressing, changing it too frequently can increase the risk of infection and disrupt healing. Instead, nurses typically assess the dressing regularly and only change it if it's overly saturated or if ordered by a physician. It’s essential to follow specific protocols regarding dressing changes.
B. A While breast prostheses can be an important part of post-mastectomy care for some clients, it is usually recommended that clients wait until they have fully healed and received counseling regarding their options. Immediate encouragement may be premature, as physical and emotional adjustments take time after surgery.
C. This is an appropriate intervention. After axillary lymph node dissection, there is a risk of lymphedema in the affected arm. Placing a limb alert bracelet serves as a reminder to healthcare providers to avoid taking blood pressure or performing venipunctures on the affected arm, thus helping prevent complications.
D. While PCA can be an effective method for managing postoperative pain, the timing and dosage should be based on the specific prescription and the client's individual needs. It’s crucial to educate the client about the PCA device and its use, but the specific interval may vary based on the medication's parameters and the patient's condition.

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ABG Value	Normal Range
PH	7.35-7.45
PaCO2	35-45 mm Hg
HCO3-	22-26 mEq/L
Base excess	-2 to +2
PaO2	80-95 mm Hg
SaO2	>95%

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The client has developed graft versus host disease (GVHD) during treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The client has a generalized pruritic rash on the trunk and the extremities. What nursing measures should the nurse use to address this problem?

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

A client returns to the surgical unit following a right modified radical mastectomy with dissection of axillary lymph nodes. An appropriate nursing intervention in the postoperative care for the client includes:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

To prevent the reoccurrence of prostatitis, the nurse should provide the client with which discharge instruction?

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