A patient is being admitted with a possible stroke. Which information from the assessment indicates that the nurse should consult with the health care provider before giving a prescribed dose of aspirin?

The patient has dysphasia.

The patient has atrial fibrillation.

The patient has a history of brief episodes of right-sided hemiplegia.

The patient reports that symptoms began with a severe headache.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. The patient has dysphasia: Dysphasia (difficulty with speech) is a common symptom of stroke but does not contraindicate the use of aspirin for acute ischemic stroke management. Aspirin is routinely administered in the acute phase of ischemic stroke to prevent further clot formation.

B. The patient has atrial fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of embolic strokes, and aspirin may be used for stroke prevention in certain cases. However, the presence of atrial fibrillation alone does not indicate a contraindication to aspirin administration in the acute setting of a suspected stroke.

C. The patient has a history of brief episodes of right-sided hemiplegia: A history of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or brief episodes of hemiplegia suggests a risk factor for stroke but does not necessarily contraindicate the use of aspirin in the acute phase of stroke
management. Aspirin is commonly used for secondary prevention after TIAs or minor strokes.

D. The patient reports that symptoms began with a severe headache: Severe headache as the initial symptom of stroke raises concerns about a possible hemorrhagic stroke rather than an ischemic stroke. Administration of aspirin in the setting of a hemorrhagic stroke can worsen bleeding and increase morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the nurse should consult with the healthcare provider before giving aspirin to determine the appropriate course of action based on the patient's presentation and diagnostic evaluation.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Call the health care provider if stools are tarry: This instruction is more relevant to medications such as aspirin or NSAIDs, which can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Clopidogrel, while also an antiplatelet medication, is less likely to cause gastrointestinal bleeding compared to aspirin.

B. Clopidogrel will reduce cerebral artery plaque formation: Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet
medication that inhibits platelet aggregation, thereby reducing the formation of blood clots and potentially slowing the progression of atherosclerosis by preventing further plaque formation.

C. Clopidogrel will dissolve clots in the cerebral arteries: While clopidogrel can help prevent the formation of new clots, it does not actively dissolve existing clots in the cerebral arteries. Its primary mechanism of action is to inhibit platelet aggregation and prevent clot formation.

D. Monitor and record the blood pressure daily: While monitoring blood pressure is important for managing cerebral atherosclerosis and reducing the risk of stroke, it is not directly related to the action of clopidogrel. Blood pressure management may involve lifestyle modifications and other medications but is not specific to clopidogrel administration.

A. BP 190/84, HR 50, and an irregular respiratory pattern B. BP 190/84, HR 150, and an irregular respiratory pattern C. BP 80/50, HR 50, and Kussmaul respirations D. BP 80/50, HR 150, and Cheyne-Stokes respirations

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. BP 190/84, HR 50, and an irregular respiratory pattern is characteristic of Cushing's triad, a classic sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Cushing's triad includes hypertension with a widened pulse pressure, bradycardia, and irregular or abnormal respirations. The elevated blood pressure occurs as a compensatory mechanism to maintain cerebral perfusion, while bradycardia and irregular respirations result from brainstem compression.

B. BP 190/84, HR 150, and an irregular respiratory pattern is incorrect because tachycardia (HR 150) is not part of Cushing's triad. Increased ICP typically causes bradycardia due to brainstem involvement.

C. BP 80/50, HR 50, and Kussmaul respirations: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid respirations commonly seen in metabolic acidosis, not typically associated with increased intracranial pressure.
D. BP 80/50, HR 150, and Cheyne-Stokes respirations: Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by alternating periods of deep breathing followed by apnea and are often seen in conditions affecting the brainstem, but they are not specific to increased intracranial pressure.

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A patient is being admitted with a possible stroke. Which information from the assessment indicates that the nurse should consult with the health care provider before giving a prescribed dose of aspirin?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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