A nurse is caring for a 46-year-old patient who has had a major ischemic stroke in the last 25 minutes.
The patient’s vital signs are: Temp 98.7, HR: 98, RR: 28, BP: 165/98. Which medication does the nurse anticipate the doctor will order?

Choice A rationale
Postoperative delirium is a common condition that can occur in older patients after surgery, especially major procedures like hip arthroplasty. It is characterized by a sudden onset of confusion and altered consciousness. This type of delirium is indeed treatable and most patients’ cognition will return to its previous levels. The treatment often involves addressing the underlying causes, such as pain, medication effects, or metabolic imbalances, and providing supportive care. It’s important for the family to understand that this is a temporary condition and does not indicate a permanent change in their loved one’s mental status.
Choice B rationale
While anesthetics can contribute to postoperative delirium, the condition is usually multifactorial and not solely due to the anesthetic used in surgery. Therefore, administering antidotes to the anesthetic is not typically how postoperative delirium is managed. Instead, the focus is on treating the underlying causes and providing supportive care.
Choice C rationale

Delirium does involve a disturbance in cognition, including memory impairment, but it does not involve a progressive decline in memory loss and overall cognitive function. That description is more characteristic of dementia, a different condition. Delirium is typically a temporary condition that improves once the underlying cause is addressed.
Choice D rationale
While postoperative delirium is often self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own over time, it is not accurate to say there is nothing to worry about. Postoperative delirium can be distressing for the patient and their family, and in some cases, it can be associated with longer hospital stays and increased morbidity. Therefore, it is a condition that should be taken seriously and managed appropriately.

Choice A rationale
Herpes simplex virus encephalitis is a severe condition that requires immediate treatment. The most common medication used for this condition is acyclovir, which is administered intravenously. Acyclovir works by inhibiting the replication of the virus, thereby reducing the severity and duration of the infection.
Choice B rationale
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive medication that is often used to prevent organ rejection after transplantation. It is not typically used in the treatment of viral infections such as herpes simplex virus encephalitis.
Choice C rationale
Without specific information about “Medication C”, it’s difficult to provide a rationale.
However, it’s important to note that the treatment of herpes simplex virus encephalitis typically involves antiviral medications, with acyclovir being the most commonly used.
Choice D rationale
Similar to Choice C, without specific information about “Medication D”, providing a rationale is challenging. As mentioned, the standard treatment for herpes simplex virus encephalitis is acyclovir.