During the acute phase of a stroke, the nurse assesses the patient's vital signs and neurologic status at least every cardiovascular sign that the nurse would see as the body attempts to increase cerebral blood flow?
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Hypertension
53 and 54 heart sounds
Fluid overload
The Correct Answer is B
A. Cardiac dysrhythmias:
While cardiac dysrhythmias can occur after a stroke, especially in the acute phase due to changes in autonomic regulation and increased sympathetic tone, they are not a direct compensatory response to increase cerebral blood flow. Dysrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, can occur as a result of stroke but are not a physiological response to attempts by the body to increase cerebral perfusion.
B. Hypertension:
Hypertension is a common cardiovascular response in the acute phase of a stroke. The body increases blood pressure to enhance cerebral perfusion and ensure that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the brain, especially if there is impaired blood flow due to a clot or hemorrhage. This compensatory mechanism helps maintain adequate cerebral blood flow to areas at risk of ischemia. Therefore, hypertension is the most likely cardiovascular sign that the nurse would observe in response to a stroke, and it is a key sign that needs to be closely monitored and managed.
C. 53 and 54 heart sounds:
The presence of 53 and 54 heart sounds, also known as extra heart sounds, such as S3 and S4, may indicate heart failure, volume overload, or diastolic dysfunction. While these sounds can be associated with certain cardiovascular conditions, they are not a typical sign observed in the acute phase of a stroke as the body attempts to increase cerebral blood flow. These heart sounds are more related to heart conditions rather than stroke-induced changes in cerebral perfusion.
D. Fluid overload:
Fluid overload, although a potential complication in stroke patients (especially if they are given excessive IV fluids or have renal issues), is not a primary compensatory mechanism for increasing cerebral blood flow. Fluid overload could exacerbate other conditions, like increased intracranial pressure or pulmonary edema, but it does not directly serve the purpose of improving cerebral perfusion during a stroke. Hypertension, on the other hand, is a direct response to try to maintain cerebral blood flow.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "Be sure to bend at the hip, not the knee, to pick up items."
After hip replacement surgery, patients are instructed to avoid bending at the hip beyond 90 degrees, as this can dislocate the newly replaced hip. The correct guidance would be to avoid bending at the hip and instead bend at the knee when picking up items, ensuring the hip joint stays in a safe position.
B) "Internally rotating your leg is okay, but do not externally rotate it."
Internal rotation of the hip joint should also be avoided post-surgery, as it can increase the risk of dislocation. The correct teaching is to prevent both internal and external rotation of the hip to ensure the joint remains stable. Patients should be instructed to avoid twisting motions that can compromise the surgical repair.
C) "If we need to help you roll in bed, we will roll you towards the operative side."
This can place undue pressure on the newly replaced hip, potentially leading to dislocation or injury. The operative side should be kept stable and protected, so it is safer to roll the patient onto the non-operative side if necessary.
D) "You should keep your knees apart using a wedge or pillow."
It is essential to keep the knees apart, typically using a wedge or pillow between the legs. This prevents the hip from adducting (moving toward the midline) and reducing the risk of dislocation. Maintaining this position ensures the hip remains in a safe, stable alignment during the healing process.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Impaired perineal skin integrity:
While impaired perineal skin integrity is a concern for clients with severe diarrhea, it is not the priority risk in this case. Diarrhea can lead to irritation and breakdown of the skin, especially in the perineal area, but this can generally be managed with proper skin care and barrier creams. While important, this is not the most critical issue at the moment.
B. Fluid and electrolyte imbalances:
The priority risk for a client with an acute exacerbation of Crohn's disease and severe diarrhea is fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Diarrhea causes significant fluid loss, which can lead to dehydration and imbalances in electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. These imbalances can result in life-threatening complications like hypovolemic shock, arrhythmias, and kidney failure. Therefore, ensuring adequate fluid and electrolyte replacement is the top priority in this situation.
C. Pain related to abdominal cramping:
While pain due to abdominal cramping is common in Crohn's disease, it is not the most immediate risk in this scenario. Pain management is important for comfort, but the risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and potential shock due to fluid loss takes precedence. Pain relief can be addressed after managing the more critical issues.
D. Protein-calorie malnutrition:
Protein-calorie malnutrition is a concern for patients with Crohn's disease, especially with chronic disease or malabsorption. However, in the context of an acute exacerbation with severe diarrhea, the immediate concern is fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Nutritional concerns, including malnutrition, are important for long-term management, but the priority in this acute phase is stabilizing the client’s fluid status to prevent further complications.
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.
