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.

Answer and Explanation

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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","C"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale

The statement “This diagnosis means that I am crazy” requires follow-up teaching by the nurse. Mental health conditions do not equate to being “crazy”. It’s important to educate the client about the nature of their diagnosis and dispel any misconceptions.

Choice B rationale

The statement “Many people have the same response to a stressful situation as I am having right now” does not require follow-up teaching. It shows that the client understands that their reaction to stress is not uncommon.

Choice C rationale

The statement “I will probably need to be on medication for the rest of my life” requires follow-up teaching. While some conditions do require long-term medication, it’s not a certainty for all conditions. The duration of treatment can vary based on the individual’s response and the nature of their condition.

Choice D rationale

The statement “I can use holistic approaches like meditation to help my symptoms” does not require follow-up teaching. It shows that the client is open to using non-pharmacological methods to manage their symptoms, which can be a beneficial part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Choice E rationale

The statement “I am at high risk for post-traumatic stress disorder because I have acute stress disorder” does not require follow-up teaching. It’s accurate that individuals with acute stress disorder are at a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder.

Choice F rationale

The statement “I can learn to manage my thoughts better through therapy” does not require follow-up teaching. It shows that the client understands the benefits of therapy in managing their condition.

A. Monitor the oxygen saturation B. Prepare for deep tracheal suctioning C. Discuss potential asthma triggers with the client D. Obtain a sputum culture E. Consider positive pressure ventilation F. Allow the client to take a position of comfort G. Discuss aggressive respiratory treatment options H. Wean the supplemental oxygen .

Correct Answer is ["A","C","F","H"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Monitoring the oxygen saturation is an important nursing intervention following the administration of albuterol. Albuterol is a bronchodilator and should improve oxygen saturation by increasing airflow and oxygen delivery.

Choice B rationale

Deep tracheal suctioning is not typically required following the administration of albuterol unless the patient has excessive secretions or difficulty clearing secretions.

Choice C rationale

Discussing potential asthma triggers with the client is an important nursing intervention. Understanding and avoiding triggers can help prevent future asthma exacerbations.

Choice D rationale

Obtaining a sputum culture is not typically required following the administration of albuterol unless there is a suspicion of a respiratory infection.

Choice E rationale

Positive pressure ventilation is not typically required following the administration of albuterol unless the patient is in severe respiratory distress.

Choice F rationale

Allowing the client to take a position of comfort can help improve breathing and should be encouraged.

Choice G rationale

Discussing aggressive respiratory treatment options is not typically required following the administration of albuterol unless the patient’s condition is not improving or worsening.

Choice H rationale

Weaning the supplemental oxygen may be appropriate following the administration of albuterol if the patient’s oxygen saturation has improved.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which client statements require follow-up teaching by the nurse? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","C"]

Explanation

Following the administration of albuterol and the subsequent assessment, what actions should the nurse plan for the rest of the shift?

Correct Answer is ["A","C","F","H"]

Explanation

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