A nurse is assessing a client who has left-sided weakness following a stroke. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?
The client is consuming 25% of their meals.
The client coughs frequently while eating.
The client's blood pressure is 142/94 mm Hg.
The client leans to the left side while sitting.
The Correct Answer is B
A. The client is consuming 25% of their meals.
Poor nutritional intake can lead to complications over time, but it is not the most immediate concern compared to other options. This finding is important but not the highest priority.
B. The client coughs frequently while eating.
Frequent coughing while eating can indicate dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), which increases the risk of aspiration. Aspiration can lead to serious complications like aspiration pneumonia, which is life-threatening. This is the nurse’s priority finding because it poses an immediate risk to the client’s airway and respiratory status.
C. The client's blood pressure is 142/94 mm Hg.
The blood pressure is elevated, which is concerning, especially in a post-stroke client. However, it is not critically high and does not present an immediate threat compared to the risk of aspiration.
D. The client leans to the left side while sitting.
Leaning to the left side while sitting could indicate poor balance or proprioception, which increases the risk of falls. While important to address, it is not as immediately critical as the risk of aspiration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Exercise 1 hr before bedtime:
While regular exercise is beneficial for overall health, exercising close to bedtime may actually interfere with sleep. It is better to exercise earlier in the day
B. Drink a cup of hot cocoa before bedtime:
While a warm beverage like hot cocoa may be soothing for some individuals, it contains caffeine, which can interfere with sleep. Caffeine consumption, especially close to bedtime, is generally discouraged for those experiencing insomnia.
C. Eat a light carbohydrate snack before bedtime: can help promote sleep. Carbohydrates increase the availability of tryptophan, an amino acid that contributes to the production of serotonin (a neurotransmitter associated with relaxation and sleep).However, the snack should be light and not too heavy to avoid discomfort or indigestion during sleep
.
D. Take a 30-min nap daily:
Taking a 30-minute nap daily may not be the most effective intervention for insomnia. Napping during the day can interfere with nighttime sleep, especially if it's taken too close to bedtime. Short naps earlier in the day are generally recommended if needed.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Tell me more about your partner.":
While understanding the client's feelings about their partner is important, the immediate concern is the client's statement expressing a desire to die. Therefore, focusing on the client's thoughts about self-harm (Option B) takes precedence in ensuring their safety.
B. "Have you thought about harming yourself?":
This response is appropriate because it directly addresses the client's statement expressing a desire to die. It opens a dialogue about the client's thoughts and intentions related to self-harm, allowing the nurse to assess the client's risk and initiate appropriate interventions.
C. "Why did you stop taking your medication?":
While understanding the reasons behind medication non-compliance is important, the immediate concern is the client's current statement indicating suicidal ideation. Exploring the client's medication adherence can be addressed after addressing the acute safety concern.
D. "You should discuss these feelings with your provider.":
This response might be seen as avoiding the client's immediate expression of distress. It is important for the nurse to directly assess the client's risk and initiate appropriate interventions rather than deferring the responsibility to another healthcare provider at this moment.
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