Patient Profile:
- Age: 68 years
- Gender: Male
- Medical History: Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Medications: Lisinopril, Metformin
- Allergies: None
Chief Complaint: The patient presents to the emergency department (ED) with sudden onset of right-sided weakness and difficulty speaking that began approximately 1 hour prior to arrival.
Choose three parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the patient's progress.
Respiratory status
Liver enzymes
Blood pressure
Neurological status
Potassium level
Correct Answer : A,C,D
Choice A reason: Respiratory status is crucial to monitor because patients with acute neurological deficits, such as those seen in strokes, are at risk of respiratory compromise. This can be due to weakened respiratory muscles or aspiration, which could lead to pneumonia or other respiratory complications.
Choice B reason: Monitoring liver enzymes is not directly related to the acute management of a stroke patient. Liver enzymes would be more relevant in cases where liver function or hepatic issues are suspected, but not for this specific scenario.
Choice C reason: Blood pressure monitoring is vital, as hypertension is a significant risk factor for stroke. Maintaining appropriate blood pressure is essential to prevent further neurological damage and complications. Acute changes in blood pressure can indicate worsening or improvement of the patient's condition.
Choice D reason: Neurological status should be continuously monitored to assess the progression of the patient's stroke symptoms. This includes checking for changes in level of consciousness, motor function, speech, and other neurological signs. Prompt detection of changes can guide immediate interventions.
Choice E reason: Potassium level monitoring is not a primary focus in the acute management of stroke. While electrolyte balance is important, it is not as critical as respiratory status, blood pressure, and neurological status in this context.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The nurse assistant typically performs tasks such as patient hygiene, ambulation, and basic monitoring under the supervision of registered nurses. They are not usually responsible for documenting vital signs during the intra-operative period.
Choice B reason: The anesthesiologist is primarily focused on managing the patient's anesthesia and monitoring their physiological status during surgery. While they do keep track of vital signs, the formal documentation is typically the responsibility of the circulating nurse.
Choice C reason: The scrub nurse is focused on maintaining the sterile field, handling surgical instruments, and assisting the surgeon. They do not leave the sterile field to document vital signs.
Choice D reason: The circulating nurse is responsible for overall patient care in the operating room, including documentation of vital signs. They manage the operating room environment, ensure patient safety, and record all necessary information during the intra-operative period.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Kidney failure is not a common immediate complication related to the patient's presentation of sudden right-sided weakness and difficulty speaking, which are indicative of a stroke. Although diabetes and hypertension can eventually lead to kidney issues, this is not an acute complication.
Choice B reason: Aspiration pneumonia is a potential complication of the patient's condition, especially given the presence of expressive aphasia. Patients with neurological deficits, particularly those affecting speech and swallowing, are at higher risk of aspirating food or liquids into the lungs, leading to pneumonia.
Choice C reason: Hypotension is not commonly a direct complication of a stroke, especially considering the patient's elevated blood pressure. Stroke patients often present with hypertension rather than hypotension.
Choice D reason: Heart failure, while related to the patient's underlying conditions like hypertension and possibly diabetes, is not an immediate complication of the acute neurological event described. The focus should be more on the neurological and respiratory complications.
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