The nurse is caring for a patient 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 patient, including a STAT computerized tomography scan of the head.
What intervention should the nurse perform in the immediate management of the patient?
Initiate bilateral intermittent sequential pneumatic compression devices.
Raise the head of the bed to 30 degrees keeping head and neck in neutral alignment.
Maintain elevated positioning of the dependent joints on affected side.
Obtain a focused history to determine recent bleeding and use of anticoagulants.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Initiating bilateral intermittent sequential pneumatic compression devices is not the most appropriate immediate intervention for a patient showing signs of a possible stroke. These devices are typically used to prevent deep vein thrombosis in patients who are immobile, not for stroke management.
Choice B rationale
Raising the head of the bed to 30 degrees and keeping the head and neck in neutral alignment is the correct intervention. This position can help reduce intracranial pressure and facilitate venous drainage. In the case of a suspected stroke, it’s crucial to maintain proper cerebral blood flow.
Choice C rationale
Maintaining elevated positioning of the dependent joints on the affected side is not the immediate priority in stroke management. While it’s important to prevent contractures and maintain functional positioning, the immediate concern is to stabilize the patient’s condition.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a focused history to determine recent bleeding and use of anticoagulants is important, but it’s not the first intervention. While this information will be necessary for the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate course of treatment, the immediate priority is to manage the patient’s acute symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Setting up supplemental oxygen delivery is not the immediate action the nurse should take. The patient’s FiO2 is currently at 35%, which is within the normal range.
Choice B rationale
Increasing the fraction of inspired oxygen is not necessary at this time. The patient’s current FiO2 is within the normal range.
Choice C rationale
The nurse should gather supplies for extubation. As the patient is due to start ventilator weaning, preparing for extubation is the next logical step. This involves having all necessary equipment and personnel ready for the procedure.
Choice D rationale
Placing a nasogastric tube is not the immediate action the nurse should take. While a nasogastric tube can be used to provide nutrition and medication, it is not directly related to the process of ventilator weaning.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Applying ice, then a warm compress to the IV site may help with pain or inflammation, but it does not address the potential problem with the IV site itself. If the client is experiencing pain and refuses a flush to assess the site, it could indicate that the IV site is compromised.
Choice B rationale
Checking the medical record for the date of IV insertion could provide useful information about how long the IV has been in place, but it does not directly address the client’s current complaint of pain at the IV site.
Choice C rationale
Redressing the IV site while checking for redness could help identify signs of infection or inflammation, but it does not address the client’s complaint of pain or their refusal to have the site flushed.
Choice D rationale
Discontinuing the current IV site and inserting a new one is the most appropriate action in this situation. If the client is experiencing pain at the IV site and refuses a flush to assess the site, it suggests that the current IV site may be compromised. Inserting a new IV ensures that the client can continue to receive their scheduled IV medication safely.
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