A nurse is attending to a patient who suddenly experiences numbness and weakness on the right side of their body, including their arm and leg.
The nurse also observes a distinct droop on the right side of the patient’s face.
After reporting these findings to the healthcare provider, the nurse receives several prescriptions for the patient, including an immediate CT scan of the head.
What should be the nurse’s first course of action?
Initiate two large-bore IV catheters and review the inclusion criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy.
Start continuous observation for transient episodes of neurologic dysfunction.
Elevate the head of the bed to 30 degrees, keeping the head and neck in neutral alignment.
Administer aspirin to prevent further clot formation and platelet aggregation.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
If a patient suddenly experiences numbness and weakness on the right side of their body, including their arm and leg, and a distinct droop on the right side of the patient’s face, these are warning signs of a stroke. The nurse’s first course of action should be to initiate two large- bore IV catheters and review the inclusion criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy. This is because rapid administration of fibrinolytic therapy can significantly improve outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Choice B rationale
Continuous observation for transient episodes of neurologic dysfunction is important, but the immediate priority is to prepare for potential fibrinolytic therapy.
Choice C rationale
Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees and keeping the head and neck in neutral alignment can be beneficial in certain situations, but it is not the immediate priority in this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Administering aspirin can help prevent further clot formation and platelet aggregation in patients with acute coronary syndrome or those at high risk of cardiovascular disease.
However, in the case of a suspected stroke, immediate medical evaluation and potential fibrinolytic therapy are the priorities.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A,B"},"B":{"answers":"C,B"},"C":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Chronic alcoholism is often associated with both Vitamin B12 and Folic acid deficiency anemia. Alcohol interferes with the absorption of these vitamins in the gut, leading to their deficiency.
Choice B rationale
Malabsorption syndrome can lead to Iron deficiency anemia, Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, and Folic acid deficiency anemia. In malabsorption syndrome, the small intestine can’t absorb enough of certain nutrients and fluids.
Choice C rationale
Dietary deficiency can result in Iron deficiency anemia, Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, and Folic acid deficiency anemia. These types of anemia can occur when the body doesn’t have enough of the vitamins needed to produce enough healthy red blood cells.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reviewing serum protein levels can provide valuable information about a client’s nutritional status and liver function. However, in the context of a client with decompensated liver disease who is experiencing fever, chills, and abdominal tenderness, and has a high polymorphonuclear leukocyte count in ascitic fluid, initiating antibiotic therapy is the priority.
Choice B rationale
Beginning abdominal girth measurements can be useful for monitoring the progression of ascites in a client with liver disease. However, in this scenario, the priority is to treat the potential infection indicated by the client’s symptoms and lab results.
Choice C rationale
Initiating antibiotic therapy is the correct intervention in this case. The client’s symptoms and the high polymorphonuclear leukocyte count in the ascitic fluid suggest spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, a serious complication of cirrhosis that requires immediate antibiotic treatment.
Choice D rationale
Assessing neurological status is important in clients with liver disease, as they are at risk for hepatic encephalopathy. However, in this scenario, the priority is to treat the potential infection indicated by the client’s symptoms and lab results.
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