A nurse is performing a neurologic assessment on a client with a stroke and cannot elicit a gag reflex. This deficit is related to cranial nerve (CN) X, the vagus nerve. What will the nurse consider a priority nursing diagnosis?
Risk for aspiration
Risk for falls
Risk for impaired skin integrity
Decreased intracranial adaptive capacity
The Correct Answer is A
A. Risk for aspiration: The gag reflex is crucial for preventing aspiration. An absent gag reflex significantly increases the risk of food or fluids entering the airway, leading to aspiration pneumonia or choking.
B. Risk for falls: While risk for falls is a concern in stroke patients, the immediate risk related to the absence of the gag reflex is more directly associated with aspiration.
C. Risk for impaired skin integrity: Impaired skin integrity is important but is a secondary concern compared to the risk of aspiration due to the absence of the gag reflex.
D. Decreased intracranial adaptive capacity: This diagnosis relates to the brain's ability to adapt to changes. While important, it is less immediately relevant compared to the risk of aspiration from the loss of the gag reflex.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Disturbed body image related to depression: While body image disturbances can occur with depression, it is not the primary concern following a suicide attempt.
B. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements related to depression: While nutritional imbalances may be present in clients with depression, the most pressing concern after a suicide attempt is safety.
C. Hygiene self-care deficit related to depression: A self-care deficit is often present in depression but is not the most urgent diagnosis after a suicide attempt.
D. Risk for self-directed violence related to depression: This is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis following a suicide attempt, as it directly addresses the client’s risk of harm to themselves.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "I wouldn't tell if I were you." This response is inappropriate because it imposes the nurse's personal opinion rather than supporting the family in making an informed decision.
B. "In my experience, clients who know are more likely to be involved with their plan of care." This is the best response because it encourages transparency and patient autonomy, allowing the client to participate in their care decisions.
C. "The shock of learning the diagnosis may be too much stress for an elderly person.” This response is not based on evidence and may discourage the family from being honest with the client, which could prevent the client from making informed decisions.
D. "This is a private concern that should include the physician, not me." While the physician should be involved in the discussion, the nurse also plays a crucial role in providing support and guidance to the family. This response dismisses the nurse's role in the situation.
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