A nurse is caring for a patient who suddenly experiences right-sided numbness and weakness in the arm and leg, along with a distinct droop on the right side of the 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.

Begin continuous observation for transient episodes of neurological 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.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
The symptoms described - right-sided numbness and weakness in the arm and leg, along with a distinct droop on the right side of the face - are indicative of a stroke. Immediate medical intervention is crucial in such cases. Initiating two large-bore IV catheters would allow for rapid administration of necessary medications and fluids. Reviewing the inclusion criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy is also important, as this type of therapy can help dissolve the clot causing the stroke and restore blood flow to the brain.

Choice B rationale
While continuous observation for transient episodes of neurological dysfunction is important in the care of a patient with suspected stroke, it is not the first course of action. Immediate medical intervention to treat the stroke is the priority.
Choice C rationale
Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees can help reduce intracranial pressure in a patient with a stroke. However, this is not the first course of action. Immediate medical intervention to treat the stroke is the priority.
Choice D rationale
Administering aspirin can help prevent further clot formation and platelet aggregation in patients with certain types of stroke. However, aspirin is not typically the first line treatment in the acute phase of a stroke, especially when the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) has not yet been determined.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["6.8"]

Explanation

Step 1: Convert the client’s weight from lbs to kg. 1 kg is approximately 2.2 lbs. So, 198 lbs ÷

2.2 = 90 kg (rounded to the nearest whole number).

Step 2: Calculate the total mcg of Dopamine needed per minute. The prescription is for 2 mcg/kg/minute. So, 90 kg × 2 mcg/kg/minute = 180 mcg/minute.

Step 3: Convert the total mcg of Dopamine in the bag to mcg/mL. The bag contains 400 mg of Dopamine in 250 mL. 1 mg is equal to 1000 mcg. So, 400 mg × 1000 = 400,000 mcg. Therefore, the concentration is 400,000 mcg ÷ 250 mL = 1600 mcg/mL.

Step 4: Calculate the mL of Dopamine needed per minute. So, 180 mcg/minute ÷ 1600 mcg/mL

= 0.1125 mL/minute.

Step 5: Convert mL/minute to mL/hour. There are 60 minutes in an hour. So, 0.1125 mL/minute × 60 = 6.75 mL/hour. The IV pump should be set to deliver 6.8 mL/hour (rounded to the nearest tenth).

A. Blood glucose level of 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L). B. Serum creatinine level of 5 mg/dL (442 µmol/L). C. Hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL (130 g/L). D. Potassium level of 4 mEq/L (4 mmol/L).

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A blood glucose level of 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L) is within the normal range and would not need to be reported to the surgeon.
Choice B rationale
A serum creatinine level of 5 mg/dL (442 µmol/L) is significantly elevated, indicating impaired kidney function. This is a critical lab value that should be reported to the surgeon immediately, as it could impact the patient’s ability to safely undergo surgery and recover postoperatively.

Choice C rationale
A hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL (130 g/L) is within the normal range and would not need to be reported to the surgeon.
Choice D rationale
A potassium level of 4 mEq/L (4 mmol/L) is within the normal range and would not need to be reported to the surgeon.

View Question and Answer

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is ["6.8"]

Explanation

The nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a patient scheduled for a cholecystectomy. Which result is most important for the nurse to report to the surgeon?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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