A 78-year-old client is admitted to the Emergency Department with numbness and weakness of the right arm and slurred speech.
Which nursing intervention is a priority?
Prepare to administer recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA).
Assist with transport to a STAT non-contrast computed tomography scan of the head.
Perform a STAT EKG and assist with a STAT chest X-ray.
Notify the speech and language pathologist for a STAT dysphagia evaluation.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Administering recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) may be necessary, but confirming ischemic stroke via CT scan precedes treatment to rule out hemorrhagic stroke, which contraindicates t-PA.
Choice B rationale
Performing a STAT non-contrast CT scan of the head is the priority to differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, enabling appropriate and timely intervention.
Choice C rationale
A STAT EKG and chest X-ray, though helpful in identifying concurrent cardiac or pulmonary issues, are not immediate priorities in acute stroke evaluation.
Choice D rationale
While assessing dysphagia is critical post-stroke, it is not a priority during initial stroke evaluation, which focuses on rapid imaging and differentiation of stroke type. .
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Absence of short-term memory loss may be desirable but depends on the injury's severity and therapy progression. Memory recovery is inconsistent and often impractical as a definitive short-term outcome goal.
Choice B rationale
Resuming construction work is unrealistic within three weeks considering potential cognitive and physical impairments. This task exceeds achievable rehabilitation milestones, emphasizing safety over rapid return to demanding roles.
Choice C rationale
Pre-injury personality traits may not fully return, as emotional and personality changes often result from cerebral insults. Emotional stability is feasible but pre-injury personality restoration is speculative.
Choice D rationale
Medication adherence reflects successful cognitive rehabilitation, supporting long-term health stability by preventing further complications. This outcome is realistic and appropriate for patients recovering from intracranial injuries. .
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Detached retina typically does not present with sharp, stabbing pain. Instead, patients experience painless symptoms like vision abnormalities due to separation of the retina from supporting tissue.
Choice B rationale
Total vision loss is rare with a detached retina unless extensive damage occurs. Partial visual disruption, such as curtain-like vision loss, is a hallmark symptom.
Choice C rationale
A curtain-like loss of vision arises from retinal detachment, disrupting visual fields as the retina separates from its vascular supply and neural connections.
Choice D rationale
Yellow sclera discoloration is associated with jaundice due to bilirubin accumulation, unrelated to retinal detachment pathology, which affects visual symptoms and not scleral appearance.
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