The nurse is caring for a client who reports sudden right-sided numbness and weakness of the arm and leg. The nurse also observes a distinct right-sided facial droop. After reporting the findings to the healthcare provider, the nurse receives several prescriptions for the client, including a STAT computerized tomography scan of the head.
After obtaining vital signs, the nurse should implement which intervention?
Keep the bed in the lowest position and initiate seizure and fall precautions.
Administer aspirin to prevent further clot formation and platelet clumping.
Notify the stroke team to assist with acute assessment and management.
Test for a swallowing reflex and perform communication deficit assessments.
The Correct Answer is C
Based on the client's sudden right-sided numbness, weakness of the arm and leg, and distinct right-sided facial droop, the nurse should suspect a possible stroke and prioritize immediate interventions. After reporting the findings to the healthcare provider and receiving prescriptions, the nurse should implement the following intervention:
Notify the stroke team to assist with acute assessment and management. A stroke is a medical emergency that requires urgent intervention and specialized care. The stroke team is trained to quickly assess and manage stroke patients, including performing necessary diagnostic tests and initiating appropriate treatment. In this case, a STAT computerized tomography (CT) scan of the head has been ordered, indicating the need to evaluate the client's brain for possible ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
While keeping the bed in the lowest position and initiating seizure and fall precautions may be important considerations for stroke patients, notifying the stroke team takes precedence as they are specifically trained to manage acute stroke cases.
Administering aspirin to prevent further clot formation and platelet clumping is not appropriate without further assessment and confirmation of the type of stroke.
Additionally, testing for a swallowing reflex and performing communication deficit assessments can be important components of the overall stroke management plan, but they should be carried out by the stroke team or as directed by the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Premature atrial complexes do not typically affect the P-R interval. They are characterized by an early P-wave followed by a QRS complex.
B. Incorrect. Complete heart block is characterized by a dissociation between the P-waves and QRS complexes, resulting in no relationship between atrial and ventricular activity.
C. Incorrect. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by chaotic and irregular atrial activity without distinct P-waves, making the P-R interval irrelevant.
D. Correct. In first-degree atrioventricular block, the P-R interval is prolonged beyond the normal range of 0.12-0.20 seconds. A constant P-R interval of 0.35 seconds indicates a first- degree atrioventricular block.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E","F"]
Explanation
A. Attends school regularly: While attending school regularly is important, it is not an immediate concern that requires follow-up compared to the other more pressing issues related to the traumatic event and the client's mental well-being.
B. Caregiver reporting client acting differently than usual: This finding requires immediate follow-up because it indicates a change in the client's behavior and could be indicative of emotional distress or mental health issues, especially considering the recent traumatic event they experienced.
C. Witnessing their family's death: Witnessing the death of family members in a traumatic event like a tornado is a significant and potentially traumatizing experience that requires immediate follow-up and support.
D. Heart rate 99/min: While a heart rate of 99/min is slightly elevated, it is not a critical finding that requires immediate follow-up in this context. The other findings are more relevant to the client's psychological well-being.
E. Smoking marijuana to clear their mind: The client's use of marijuana to cope with their thoughts and feelings should be addressed promptly, as it could indicate maladaptive coping mechanisms or potential substance abuse.
F. Client experiences nightmares: Experiencing nightmares could be a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health concerns related to the traumatic event.
G. BP 122/80 mm Hg: A blood pressure of 122/80 mm Hg is within a normal range and is not a cause for immediate concern.
H. Startles easy during thunderstorm: While startle responses can be related to anxiety, this specific finding is not as pressing as the client's reported coping mechanisms and traumatic experiences.
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