A nurse in the emergency department is assessing a client who was brought in by a neighbor after falling down suddenly while walking. Which of the following assessments are the priority for the nurse to complete?(Select All that Apply.)
Muscle strength
Facial symmetry
Peripheral pulses
Vision changes
Aphasia
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Choice A Reason:
Muscle strength is correct. Assessing muscle strength is essential to determine if there are any neurological deficits or weakness that could indicate a neurological condition or injury. Sudden falls can be indicative of various neurological issues, such as stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Assessing muscle strength helps identify any motor impairments or weakness that could contribute to the fall.
Choice B Reason:
Facial symmetry is correct. Assessing facial symmetry is crucial to identify any signs of facial droop, which could indicate a neurological deficit such as a stroke or Bell's palsy. Facial asymmetry may suggest damage to the facial nerve or other neurological issues.
Choice C Reason:
Peripheral pulses is incorrect. While assessing peripheral pulses is important for evaluating circulation, it may not be the priority assessment in this scenario where the client has suddenly fallen and may be experiencing neurological symptoms. Neurological deficits, such as weakness or changes in facial symmetry, vision, or speech, are more indicative of acute neurological issues like stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), which require immediate attention and intervention. In emergency situations, prioritizing assessments related to potential life-threatening conditions such as neurological deficits takes precedence over assessing peripheral pulses.
Choice D Reason:
Vision changes is correct. Assessing for vision changes is important to identify any visual disturbances or deficits that could contribute to falls or indicate underlying neurological issues such as a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Visual disturbances may include blurriness, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
Choice E Reason:
Aphasia is incorrect. Assessing for aphasia, which is the inability to understand or express speech, is essential to identify any language deficits that could indicate a neurological condition such as a stroke. Aphasia may present as difficulty speaking, understanding language, or both.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Refraining from climbing ladders is appropriate. Climbing ladders involves a risk of falling, which can be particularly hazardous for individuals with epilepsy. Seizures can occur unexpectedly and may cause loss of muscle control or consciousness, increasing the risk of falls from heights such as ladders. Falling from a ladder during a seizure can result in serious injuries, including head trauma, fractures, or other injuries from impact. Advising the client to refrain from climbing ladders helps mitigate the risk of falls and associated injuries during a seizure episode, promoting their safety and well-being.
Choice B Reason:
Do not go swimming without a partner is inappropriate. Swimming alone can be dangerous for individuals with epilepsy as they may be at risk of drowning if they experience a seizure while in the water. Having a swimming partner can provide assistance and ensure safety in case of a seizure.
Choice C Reason:
Refraining from driving unless seizure-free for 3 months is appropriate. Driving restrictions are often recommended for individuals with epilepsy to minimize the risk of accidents caused by seizures. Many jurisdictions require individuals with epilepsy to be seizure-free for a certain period, typically around 3 to 6 months, before resuming driving.
Choice D Reason:
Avoiding using power tools is appropriate. Operating power tools or machinery can be hazardous if a seizure occurs, potentially leading to serious injuries. Therefore, individuals with epilepsy should avoid using power tools to reduce the risk of accidents during a seizure.
Choice E Reason:
Placing client on the floor when having a seizure is appropriate. Placing the client on the floor during a seizure helps prevent injury from falls. It is safer to have the individual lie down on a flat surface to reduce the risk of head injury or other trauma during the seizure.
Choice F Reason:
Placing client on their back when they are recovering from a seizure appropriate. Placing the client on their back after a seizure helps maintain an open airway and facilitates recovery. This position allows for proper breathing and circulation while monitoring the individual's condition.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Vasogenic cerebral edema is appropriate response. Vasogenic cerebral edema occurs due to disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), leading to leakage of fluid and proteins from the blood vessels into the brain parenchyma. This type of cerebral edema is commonly associated with conditions such as brain tumors, abscesses, and ischemic stroke.
Choice B Reason:
Osmotic cerebral edema is inappropriate response. Osmotic cerebral edema occurs when there is an imbalance of osmotic forces across the blood-brain barrier, leading to the movement of water into the brain cells. This type of cerebral edema can result from conditions such as hyponatremia or the administration of hypertonic solutions.
Choice C Reason:
Cellular cerebral edema is inappropriate response. Cellular cerebral edema involves the swelling of brain cells (neurons and glial cells) due to various insults, such as ischemia, hypoxia, or metabolic disturbances. This type of cerebral edema can occur in conditions such as ischemic stroke or traumatic brain injury.
Choice D Reason:
Interstitial cerebral edema is incorrect response. Interstitial cerebral edema involves the accumulation of fluid within the interstitial spaces of the brain tissue. This type of cerebral edema can occur in conditions such as hydrocephalus, where there is obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow.
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