An older adult comes to the emergency department after falling at home, and reports "I can't walk without losing my balance." Which steps should the nurse implement for this client?
Organize the reperfusion recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) infusion.
Determine symptom onset or when the fall occurred.
Arrange for a transfer immediately to the radiology department.
Perform a comprehensive neurologic assessment.
None of the above.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Organize the reperfusion recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) infusion is not the appropriate step, as it is a treatment for acute ischemic stroke, which has not been confirmed in this client. tPA is a clot-busting drug that can restore blood flow to the brain, but it has strict criteria and time window for its use. The nurse should not assume that the client has a stroke without further assessment and diagnosis.
Choice B reason: Determine symptom onset or when the fall occurred is not the appropriate step, as it is not the priority for this client. The nurse should first assess the client's vital signs, neurologic status, and potential injuries from the fall. The symptom onset or fall time may be relevant for the diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause, but it is not the most urgent information to obtain.
Choice C reason: Arrange for a transfer immediately to the radiology department is not the appropriate step, as it is not the most immediate intervention for this client. The nurse should first stabilize the client's condition, perform a thorough assessment, and obtain orders from the medical provider. The radiology department may be needed for diagnostic tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but it is not the first destination for this client.
Choice D reason: Perform a comprehensive neurologic assessment is the appropriate step, as it can help identify the possible cause of the client's balance problem and rule out a stroke or other serious condition. A neurologic assessment includes checking the client's level of consciousness, orientation, speech, cranial nerve function, motor strength, sensory perception, coordination, and reflexes. The nurse should also monitor the client's vital signs, oxygen saturation, and blood glucose levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Overhydration is not the definition of the promotion of an adequate fluid balance, but rather a condition where the body has excess fluid volume, which can cause medical complications, such as edema, hyponatremia, or heart failure.
Choice B reason: Dehydration is not the definition of the promotion of an adequate fluid balance, but rather a condition where the body has insufficient fluid volume, which can cause medical complications, such as hypotension, tachycardia, or kidney failure.
Choice C reason: Hypernatremia is not the definition of the promotion of an adequate fluid balance, but rather a condition where the body has excess sodium concentration in the blood, which can cause medical complications, such as thirst, confusion, or seizures.
Choice D reason: Hydration is the definition of the promotion of an adequate fluid balance, as it refers to the maintenance of the optimal amount and distribution of fluid in the body, which can prevent medical complications, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or infection.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Can bring about long-term changes in lifestyle is true because persistent pain, also known as chronic pain, is pain that lasts for more than three months or beyond the expected healing time. Persistent pain can affect the physical, psychological, social, and emotional aspects of a person's life, and may require adjustments in daily activities, work, hobbies, relationships, and self-care.
Choice B reason: Is generally gone within 4 months is false because persistent pain does not have a clear end point and may persist for years or even a lifetime. Persistent pain is different from acute pain, which is pain that is sudden, sharp, and usually related to an injury or illness. Acute pain typically lasts for a short time and resolves when the underlying cause is treated.
Choice C reason: Is usually described as a burning pain is false because persistent pain can have various descriptions, depending on the cause, location, and intensity of the pain. Some common words that people use to describe persistent pain are aching, throbbing, stabbing, shooting, tingling, or numbness.
Choice D reason: Leads to significantly altered vital signs is false because persistent pain does not usually cause noticeable changes in vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, or temperature. This is because the body adapts to persistent pain over time and does not react as strongly as it does to acute pain. However, this does not mean that persistent pain is less severe or less important than acute pain.
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