The head computed tomography (CT) result indicates no bleeding in the brain and the neurologist diagnoses an acute ischemic stroke and orders tPA. Select the appropriate interventions for tPA administration. (Select all that apply)
Patients must be screened for any recent history of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
tPA must be given within 8 hours of the onset of signs of ischemic stroke.
tPA is a high-risk drug which requires a two-nurse verification.
Patients with embolic strokes are not candidates for tPA.
Closely monitor the patient’s vital signs and neurologic status.
Correct Answer : A,C,E
Choice A reason: Screening for recent GI bleeding is critical, as tPA increases bleeding risk, contraindicating its use in such patients. This aligns with stroke treatment protocols, making it a correct intervention the nurse must ensure before administering tPA for acute ischemic stroke.
Choice B reason: tPA is effective within 4.5 hours of stroke onset, not 8 hours, for most patients. This is incorrect, as it exceeds the therapeutic window, unlike screening for bleeding or monitoring, which are essential interventions for safe tPA administration in stroke care.
Choice C reason: tPA, a high-risk thrombolytic, requires two-nurse verification to ensure accurate dosing and administration, reducing errors. This aligns with medication safety protocols, making it a correct intervention the nurse must follow when administering tPA for an acute ischemic stroke.
Choice D reason: Embolic strokes are candidates for tPA if within the time window and no contraindications exist. This is incorrect, as it wrongly excludes a valid stroke type, unlike monitoring or bleeding screening, which are critical for safe tPA administration.
Choice E reason: Close monitoring of vital signs and neurologic status is essential post-tPA to detect complications like hemorrhage or worsening stroke. This aligns with stroke care guidelines, making it a correct intervention the nurse must implement during tPA administration for ischemic stroke.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Metoprolol treats hypertension and heart conditions, not Parkinson’s symptoms like tremors or stiffness. Carbidopa-levodopa addresses these directly, making this incorrect, as it is not used for Parkinson’s management in the patient’s medication regimen for neurological symptoms.
Choice B reason: Carbidopa-levodopa is a primary Parkinson’s treatment, increasing dopamine to reduce tremors and stiffness. This aligns with neurological pharmacotherapy, making it a correct medication the nurse would recognize as typically used for Mr. Frank’s Parkinson’s disease management.
Choice C reason: Benztropine (cogentin) is an anticholinergic used in Parkinson’s to reduce tremors and rigidity. This aligns with standard Parkinson’s treatment protocols, making it a correct medication the nurse would identify as part of Mr. Frank’s regimen for managing his neurological symptoms.
Choice D reason: Aspirin is used for cardiovascular protection, not Parkinson’s symptoms like muscle stiffness. Carbidopa-levodopa is specific to Parkinson’s, making this incorrect, as it does not address the neurological symptoms of Mr. Frank’s diagnosed condition in his treatment plan.
Choice E reason: Lisinopril manages hypertension, not Parkinson’s-related tremors or walking difficulties. Benztropine targets these symptoms, making this incorrect, as it is irrelevant to the neurological management of Mr. Frank’s Parkinson’s disease in his home medication list.
Choice F reason: Atorvastatin treats hyperlipidemia, not Parkinson’s symptoms like stiffness or tremors. Carbidopa-levodopa is a Parkinson’s treatment, making this incorrect, as it does not contribute to managing Mr. Frank’s neurological condition in his prescribed medication regimen.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Difficulty speaking post-carotid artery angioplasty suggests a neurological complication, possibly stroke, requiring immediate intervention. This aligns with post-procedure neurological assessment priorities, making it the most concerning finding for the nurse to address urgently in the patient’s care.
Choice B reason: Fine crackles at lung bases may indicate fluid overload but are less urgent than speech difficulty, which suggests stroke. Neurological complications take precedence, making this secondary and incorrect compared to the nurse’s priority of addressing potential cerebral events post-procedure.
Choice C reason: A pulse of 102 beats/min is mildly elevated but less critical than speech difficulty, which may indicate a neurological event. Stroke risk is the primary concern, making this less urgent and incorrect compared to the nurse’s focus on neurological assessment post-angioplasty.
Choice D reason: Blood pressure of 144/86 mm Hg is elevated but within acceptable post-procedure ranges. Speech difficulty suggests a neurological issue, making this less concerning and incorrect compared to the nurse’s priority of evaluating potential stroke in the patient post-angioplasty.
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