A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who became unresponsive after stating she had a sudden, severe headache with vomiting and then seizure activity. The client's vital signs are as follows: blood pressure of 198/110 mm Hg pulse of 82 bpm, respirations of 24/min, and a temperature of 100.8 F (38.2° C). Which neurologic disorder would the nurse suspect?
Thrombotic stroke
Embolic stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke
Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
The Correct Answer is C
A. Thrombotic stroke. A thrombotic stroke develops more gradually and is not typically associated with such sudden and severe symptoms.
B. Embolic stroke. An embolic stroke is often associated with a known embolic source, such as a clot from the heart, and can present more suddenly, but without all the symptoms seen here.
C. Hemorrhagic stroke: Hemorrhagic strokes often present with a sudden, severe headache, vomiting, seizure activity, and high blood pressure. A fever may also develop due to increased intracranial pressure.
D. Transient ischemic attack (TIA). TIAs are brief and resolve within minutes to hours and do not typically cause seizures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The new graduate nurse elevates the client's head of the bed to 30 degrees. Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees helps reduce ICP by promoting venous drainage from the brain.
B. The new graduate nurse administers an analgesic before turning the client. Analgesics are often necessary before turning a client with a head injury to minimize discomfort and prevent additional stress.
C. The new graduate nurse is frequently suctioning the client without breaks: Frequent suctioning without breaks can increase intracranial pressure (ICP) and compromise the patient's condition. Suctioning should be done with caution and only as needed, allowing for breaks in between to prevent ICP elevation.
D. The new graduate nurse assesses the client's neurologic status every hour. Regular neuro assessments are necessary for patients with head injuries to monitor changes in condition.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. 3% hypertonic saline: In SIADH, the body holds onto too much water, leading to dilutional hyponatremia. Hypertonic saline helps to slowly raise the sodium level and correct the dilution.
B. Normal saline solution: Normal saline (0.9%) would not be effective for SIADH as it is isotonic and would not correct the sodium imbalance.
C. Dextrose 5% in water: This would not be appropriate, as it contains free water and could exacerbate hyponatremia in a client with SIADH.
D. Lactated Ringers: This is an isotonic solution and would not effectively address the dilutional hyponatremia caused by SIADH.
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.
