A family member of a patient diagnosed with a hemorrhagic stroke asks if the patient can receive anticoagulant therapy to improve their outcome. The nurse explains that anticoagulant therapy for the patient
may be necessary to prevent pulmonary thrombosis.
is contraindicated because it will cause additional bleeding.
is inadvisable because it may mask signs and symptoms of neurologic changes in the brain.
will be started if necessary to enhance cerebral circulation.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Anticoagulant therapy may be necessary to prevent pulmonary thrombosis in patients with ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot blocking a blood vessel in the brain. However, in patients with hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain, anticoagulant therapy can worsen the bleeding and increase the risk of complications.
Choice B reason: This is correct. Anticoagulant therapy is contraindicated because it will cause additional bleeding in patients with hemorrhagic stroke. Anticoagulants are drugs that prevent blood from clotting or dissolve existing clots. They can increase the size of the hematoma and the pressure on the brain tissue, leading to more damage and disability.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Anticoagulant therapy is not inadvisable because it may mask signs and symptoms of neurologic changes in the brain. Anticoagulants do not affect the neurological assessment or the diagnosis of stroke. They can, however, interfere with the treatment and recovery of hemorrhagic stroke.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Anticoagulant therapy will not be started if necessary to enhance cerebral circulation in patients with hemorrhagic stroke. Anticoagulants do not improve the blood flow to the brain, but rather prevent or dissolve clots that may obstruct it. In patients with hemorrhagic stroke, the pro
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Elevating the head of the bed 20 to 30 degrees is an appropriate intervention for a patient who had a craniotomy to relieve increased intracranial pressure. It helps to reduce the venous pressure and improve the cerebral perfusion.
Choice B reason: Maintaining bright lighting in the room to assess bleeding at the surgical site is not an appropriate intervention for a patient who had a craniotomy to relieve increased intracranial pressure. It can increase the sensory stimulation and aggravate the intracranial pressure. The nurse should use dim lighting and monitor the dressing and the drainage system for signs of bleeding.
Choice C reason: Stimulating the patient every half hour to assess changes in level of consciousness is not an appropriate intervention for a patient who had a craniotomy to relieve increased intracranial pressure. It can increase the cerebral metabolic demand and worsen the intracranial pressure. The nurse should assess the level of consciousness using the Glasgow Coma Scale and avoid unnecessary stimulation.
Choice D reason: Allowing the patient to change positions frequently to maintain comfort is not an appropriate intervention for a patient who had a craniotomy to relieve increased intracranial pressure. It can increase the intrathoracic pressure and affect the cerebral blood flow. The nurse should limit the patient's movement and avoid extreme flexion, extension, or rotation of the head and neck.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Administering a dose of a prescribed antiepileptic drug is an appropriate intervention, but it should be done during the seizure, not after. Positioning the person supine is also not recommended, as it can compromise the airway and increase the risk of aspiration.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Wrapping the patient in warm blankets and hyperextending their neck are both harmful actions, as they can increase the body temperature and obstruct the airway. The patient should be kept cool and comfortable, and their head should be tilted to the side or supported with a pillow.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Offering the patient a crossword to work on to promote mental stimulation is not an essential intervention, and it may not be feasible or appropriate for a patient who has just experienced a prolonged seizure. The patient may need rest and observation, not cognitive tasks.
Choice D reason: This is correct. Establishing that the patient has a patent airway after the seizure ends and assessing for breathing are the most important interventions, as they ensure the oxygenation and ventilation of the patient. The nurse should also monitor the vital signs, neurological status, and blood glucose levels of the patient.
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