A nurse is caring for a client who has active tuberculosis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A Reason

Determine the time the last dose of pain medication was administered. While it is important to know when the last dose of pain medication was given, assessing the client’s current pain level is a priority. This helps in understanding the severity and nature of the pain, which guides further interventions.

Choice B Reason

Reposition the client to assist with reduction of pain. Repositioning can help alleviate pain, but it should be done after assessing the pain. Without understanding the pain’s characteristics, repositioning might not address the underlying issue effectively.

Choice C Reason

Ask the client to describe the pain and rate it on a scale of 0 to 10. This is the correct first action. Pain assessment is crucial in determining the appropriate intervention. By asking the client to describe and rate their pain, the nurse can tailor the pain management plan to the client’s specific needs.

Choice D Reason

Check the client’s medical record for type of PRN pain medication. Reviewing the medical record for PRN pain medication is important, but it should follow the initial pain assessment. Knowing the pain’s intensity and characteristics will help in deciding whether PRN medication is needed.

Choice A Reason:

Expressive aphasia, also known as Broca’s aphasia, is a common symptom of a left-hemisphere stroke. This condition affects the person’s ability to produce speech, although their comprehension may remain intact. The left hemisphere of the brain is typically responsible for language and speech functions, so damage to this area often results in expressive aphasia.

Choice B Reason:

Poor impulse control is more commonly associated with right-hemisphere strokes. The right hemisphere is involved in controlling behavior and emotions, so damage to this area can lead to impulsivity and poor judgment.

Choice C Reason:

Left hemiparesis, or weakness on the left side of the body, is typically a result of a right-hemisphere stroke. Strokes affect the opposite side of the body from the hemisphere where the stroke occurred. Therefore, a left-hemisphere stroke would more likely cause right-sided weakness or paralysis.

Choice D Reason:

Disorientation to place can occur with strokes affecting either hemisphere, but it is not a specific hallmark of left-hemisphere strokes. Cognitive impairments such as disorientation are more generalized and can result from various types of brain injuries.