A nurse is caring for a client who presented with unilateral facial droop and weakness that lasted for about an hour before resolving spontaneausly without intervention. Which of the following is true regarding this situation?
The blockage is most likely in the right parietal region
This type of event can be one of the primary warning sign of a future stroke
The signs and symptoms are most consistent with an acute hemorrhagic stroke
The signs and symptoms are most consistent with a focal awareness seizure.
The Correct Answer is B
A. The blockage is most likely in the right parietal region:
While a facial droop and weakness can be indicative of a stroke, the specific location of the blockage cannot be definitively determined based on the symptoms alone. A right-sided facial droop suggests that the lesion or event likely involves the left side of the brain, particularly the frontal or temporal regions, as these areas are typically associated with facial motor control. A parietal lesion would more commonly result in sensory deficits or spatial issues, not primarily facial droop. Therefore, this statement is not correct in this case.
B. This type of event can be one of the primary warning signs of a future stroke:
The client’s presentation of unilateral facial droop and weakness that resolves spontaneously within an hour is highly consistent with a transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA, often referred to as a "mini-stroke," is characterized by temporary neurological deficits that resolve without permanent damage. TIAs are considered warning signs of a potential future stroke, and the client should be evaluated promptly to address risk factors and prevent a more serious, permanent stroke.
C. The signs and symptoms are most consistent with an acute hemorrhagic stroke:
An acute hemorrhagic stroke typically presents with sudden and severe neurological deficits, such as a severe headache, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. Hemorrhagic strokes do not typically resolve spontaneously within an hour. The client's symptoms (unilateral facial droop and weakness that resolve within an hour) are more indicative of a TIA, not a hemorrhagic stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke would likely result in sustained deficits and a more urgent clinical presentation.
D. The signs and symptoms are most consistent with a focal awareness seizure:
Focal awareness seizures (previously known as simple partial seizures) generally involve abnormal electrical activity in a specific area of the brain, leading to symptoms such as motor twitches or sensory disturbances, but not typically a full facial droop or weakness. These seizures do not cause symptoms that resolve in such a short time, nor do they present with unilateral weakness in the manner described here. Therefore, this scenario is not consistent with a seizure disorder.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which involve chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. During an exacerbation, treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and controlling symptoms.
- Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone): Used for short-term inflammation control during flare-ups.
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., Sulfasalazine, Azathioprine, Methotrexate): Help maintain remission and reduce immune system overactivity.
- Biologic agents (e.g., Infliximab, Adalimumab): Used for severe cases or when other treatments fail.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Focal awareness seizure:
Focal awareness seizures (formerly known as simple partial seizures) involve abnormal electrical activity in a specific area of the brain. These seizures typically cause motor symptoms (such as jerking or twitching in one part of the body) or sensory disturbances (like tingling or visual changes), but the person remains fully aware during the episode. The client’s presentation of a temporary loss of awareness and blank stare is more consistent with an absence seizure than a focal awareness seizure, as focal seizures do not cause a loss of consciousness.
B. Absence seizure:
Absence seizures are a type of generalized seizure often seen in children. These seizures are characterized by a sudden, brief loss of awareness, typically lasting only a few seconds. During the episode, the child may exhibit a blank stare and seem unresponsive, often without any noticeable physical movements. These seizures are often mistaken for daydreaming or inattention, but they can be diagnosed with an EEG (electroencephalogram) showing characteristic patterns. This description matches the parents’ observations of occasional episodes of loss of awareness and a blank stare.
C. Transient ischemic attack (TIA):
A TIA, also known as a mini-stroke, involves temporary neurological symptoms due to a brief disruption in blood flow to the brain. However, TIAs usually last longer than the brief episodes of loss of awareness described in this case, and they are more likely to cause focal neurological not just a transient loss of awareness. Additionally, TIAs are much less common in children and are usually associated with other risk factors like cardiovascular disease or clotting disorders.
D. Tonic clonic seizure:
Tonic-clonic seizures (formerly known as grand mal seizures) involve generalized shaking or convulsions, loss of consciousness, and can last from 1 to 3 minutes. These seizures are usually much more dramatic and prolonged compared to the brief, absence-like episodes described here. While they do involve a loss of awareness, the physical manifestations (muscle stiffening and jerking) and duration are distinctively different from the blank stare and brief loss of awareness typical of an absence seizure.
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