An elderly patient has been admitted with a suspected stroke.
The patient has facial paralysis and is unable to move the left side of their body.
Upon entering the room, the nurse observes the patient’s spouse attempting to give the patient a drink of water, but struggling.
What should the nurse’s next course of action be?
Assist the spouse and carefully give the patient small sips of water.
Obtain thickening powder before providing any more fluids.
Ask the spouse to stop and assess the patient’s swallowing reflex.
Give the spouse a straw to help facilitate the patient’s drinking.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Assisting the spouse and carefully giving the patient small sips of water may seem like a compassionate action. However, it could potentially lead to aspiration if the patient’s swallowing reflex is compromised, which is common in stroke patients.
Choice B rationale
While obtaining thickening powder before providing any more fluids can help prevent aspiration in patients with dysphagia, it is not the immediate action the nurse should take. The nurse first needs to assess the patient’s swallowing reflex before deciding on the appropriate intervention.
Choice C rationale
The nurse should ask the spouse to stop and assess the patient’s swallowing reflex. This is the most immediate and appropriate action. Stroke patients often have impaired swallowing reflexes, which can lead to aspiration if not properly managed. By assessing the swallowing reflex, the nurse can determine the best course of action to ensure the patient’s safety.
Choice D rationale
Giving the spouse a straw to help facilitate the patient’s drinking is not the best course of action. Straws can increase the risk of aspiration in patients with impaired swallowing reflexes. The nurse should first assess the patient’s swallowing reflex before deciding on the appropriate intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Resuming normal physical activity is not the appropriate action when a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus experiences increased thirst, an early sign of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Physical activity can increase blood glucose levels, which could exacerbate the condition.
Choice B rationale
Administering a dose of regular insulin as prescribed is the most appropriate action to address increased thirst in a patient with type 1 diabetes and early signs of DKA. Elevated blood sugar levels are the cause of the increased thirst, and insulin helps lower blood sugar levels.
Choice C rationale
Consuming electrolyte fluid replacements is not the appropriate action when a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus experiences increased thirst, an early sign of DKA. While hydration is important, it does not address the underlying issue of high blood sugar levels.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring urine output over the next 24 hours is not the appropriate action when a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus experiences increased thirst, an early sign of DKA. While it is important to monitor urine output in patients with diabetes, it does not address the underlying issue of high blood sugar levels.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it’s important to assess all aspects of the patient’s condition, a warm left lower extremity does not necessarily indicate a right hip fracture. It could be related to other conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis or cellulitis.
Choice B rationale
The presence of strong bilateral pedal pulses is a positive sign and does not indicate a hip fracture. It suggests that the patient has good peripheral circulation.
Choice C rationale
The ability to wiggle the toes when the sole of the right foot is tickled does not necessarily indicate a hip fracture. This is a normal response and suggests that the patient has intact sensory and motor function in the foot.
Choice D rationale
A right leg that is externally rotated and shorter than the left is a classic sign of a hip fracture. This occurs because the fracture can cause the femoral head to tilt and rotate outward, making the leg appear shorter.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.