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 A
Explanation
A. Assist the client with a bowel cleansing.A bowel cleansing is necessary before an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) to ensure the urinary tract is clearly visualized on the X-ray images. Residual stool or gas in the intestines can obscure the view of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.
B.Ensure the client is free of metal objects.While ensuring the client is free of metal objects is critical for procedures involving magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or X-rays of the skeletal system, it is not specifically required for an IVP.
C.Monitor the client for pain in the suprapubic region.Monitoring for suprapubic pain is more relevant after procedures such as catheterization or bladder studies, or in cases of suspected urinary retention or infection.
D.Administer 240 mL (8 oz) of oral contrast before the procedure.An IVP involves injecting contrast dye intravenously, not orally. Oral contrast is typically used for gastrointestinal studies, such as a CT scan of the abdomen or barium swallow.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Use an 18-gauge, 1-inch needle to administer the medication.An 18-gauge needle is too large for subcutaneous heparin injections, which require a smaller, finer needle, typically 25- to 27-gauge and ⅜- to ⅝-inch in length. The smaller gauge reduces discomfort and is appropriate for subcutaneous tissue.
B. Inject 5.1 cm (2 in) away from the umbilicus.Heparin injections should be given at least 2 inches from the umbilicus to avoid areas with dense blood vessels, which decreases the risk of hematoma formation and improves medication absorption.
C. Expel air bubble before injecting medication.For prefilled heparin syringes, the small air bubble should not be expelled, as it helps ensure the full dose is administered and can reduce bruising by sealing the medication in the tissue.
D. Massage the injection site after withdrawing the needle.Massaging the site after a heparin injection is not recommended as it increases the risk of bruising and tissue irritation. Instead, gentle pressure may be applied briefly if there is bleeding at the site.
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