A client with new onset right-sided weakness is admitted to the emergency department and the following orders are received. Which order should the nurse implement first?
Aspirin 325mg po
Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scan
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Simvastatin (Zocor) 80 mg po
The Correct Answer is B
A. Aspirin 325 mg PO: Aspirin is important for preventing clot formation but should not be administered until a hemorrhagic stroke is ruled out.
B. Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scan: This is the priority because it determines whether the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic, guiding further treatment.
C. Electrocardiogram (ECG): While assessing cardiac rhythm is important, it is not the immediate priority in the presence of stroke symptoms.
D. Simvastatin (Zocor) 80 mg PO: Statins are used for long-term management but are not urgent in this acute scenario.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Auscultate for a pericardial friction rub: These symptoms are classic for pericarditis, a complication of MI. A pericardial friction rub is a key diagnostic finding.
B. Inspect the skin for petechiae: Petechiae are associated with conditions like infective endocarditis or thrombocytopenia, not pericarditis.
C. Palpate the radial pulses bilaterally: Assessing radial pulses is essential for circulation but does not directly relate to pericarditis symptoms.
D. Assess for abdominal pain: Abdominal pain is not typical of pericarditis and would not be the priority assessment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A patient with second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, type 1, rate 60, who is dizzy when ambulating. While dizziness may be a concern, second-degree AV block type 1 (Wenckebach) typically resolves without immediate intervention.
B. A patient who is in a sinus rhythm, rate 98 and regular, recovering from an elective cardioversion 2 hours ago. This patient is stable, and recovery from cardioversion typically involves monitoring, but the patient does not require immediate intervention.
C. A patient with atrial fibrillation, rate 88 and irregular, who has a dose of warfarin (Coumadin) due. The patient is stable, and the dose of warfarin can be administered after assessing the patient’s overall condition, making it a lower priority.
D. A patient whose implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) fired twice today and has a dose of amiodarone (Cordarone) due: The patient whose ICD fired twice is at high risk for life-threatening arrhythmias, and this situation requires immediate evaluation and intervention. The nurse should assess the patient first, and the dose of amiodarone may be administered to manage any underlying arrhythmias.
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.