A nurse in the emergency department is evaluating a client who was brought in by a neighbor after suddenly falling while walking.
What assessments should the nurse prioritize?
Assessing muscle strength
Checking for facial symmetry
Checking peripheral pulses
Evaluating vision changes
Checking for aphasia
Asking about smoking history
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
Choice A rationale
Assessing muscle strength is important after a fall as it can help determine if the fall was due to muscle weakness or other neurological issues.
Choice B rationale
Checking for facial symmetry is crucial as asymmetry may indicate a stroke or other serious neurological condition.
Choice C rationale
While checking peripheral pulses is important in general, it may not be the top priority in this case unless there is a specific reason to suspect circulatory issues.
Choice D rationale
Evaluating vision changes is important as sudden vision loss or changes could indicate a serious condition such as a stroke.
Choice E rationale
Checking for aphasia, or difficulty with language, is crucial as it can be a sign of a stroke or other serious neurological condition.
Choice F rationale
Asking about smoking history may not be a priority in the immediate assessment of a patient who has just fallen.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A patient in the intensive care unit who was admitted with severe head trauma and cerebral edema, who opens their eyes spontaneously, is oriented, and obeys commands, would be experiencing a decline in their condition if they become confused. Confusion can be a sign of worsening brain function, indicating that the brain is not receiving enough oxygen or is being affected by a buildup of toxins. This could be due to increased intracranial pressure, decreased blood flow to the brain, or further injury to the brain tissue.
Choice B rationale
Mumbling inappropriate words can also be a sign of a decline in a patient’s condition. However, it is less specific than confusion. It could be due to a variety of factors, including medication side effects, sleep deprivation, or mental health issues.
Choice C rationale
If a patient’s eyes do not open to their name, it could indicate a significant decline in their condition. However, this is a more severe symptom than confusion and may not be the first sign of a decline.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Cancer pain is usually associated with the growth of a tumor or the side effects of cancer treatment. Phantom limb pain is not related to cancer.
Choice B rationale
Phantom limb pain is considered a type of neuropathic pain. This is because it is associated with nerve damage or malfunctioning nerves in the area where the limb was amputated.
Choice C rationale
Chronic pain is a broad term that refers to any pain that lasts for more than 12 weeks. While phantom limb pain can become chronic, this term does not specifically describe the type of pain experienced in phantom limb syndrome.
Choice D rationale
Acute pain is a type of pain that comes on suddenly and has a specific cause, usually related to tissue damage. Phantom limb pain is not considered acute pain because it is not related to new tissue damage.
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