The nurse is caring for client who has had a stroke and who received tissue plasminogen activator(t-PA) 6 hours ago. The nurse identifies which of the following symptoms are indications of an intracerebral hemorrhage post thrombolytic therapy?
Fever and cardiac dysthymias
Decline in neurological status and elevated blood pressure
Abdominal distention and anorexia
Positive Coombs test and low urine output
The Correct Answer is B
A) Fever and cardiac dysrhythmias:
Fever and cardiac dysrhythmias are not the hallmark signs of an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) following thrombolytic therapy. While fever can occur in the aftermath of a stroke, it is more commonly linked to infection or other complications. Cardiac dysrhythmias can occur in stroke patients due to autonomic dysfunction or other underlying conditions but are not specific to a hemorrhagic complication.
B) Decline in neurological status and elevated blood pressure:
A decline in neurological status (e.g., deterioration of consciousness, confusion, or focal deficits) and elevated blood pressure are classic signs of an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) following thrombolytic therapy, especially when tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is administered. tPA works by dissolving blood clots but increases the risk of bleeding. An ICH could present with sudden worsening neurological symptoms, such as decreased level of consciousness, weakness, or sensory loss, and elevated blood pressure is a compensatory response to the hemorrhage.
C) Abdominal distention and anorexia:
Abdominal distention and anorexia are not typical indicators of an intracerebral hemorrhage following tPA therapy. These symptoms may indicate other issues, such as gastrointestinal problems or metabolic imbalances, but they are not directly related to hemorrhagic complications following thrombolytic therapy for stroke.
D) Positive Coombs test and low urine output:
A positive Coombs test indicates the presence of antibodies against red blood cells, which may suggest hemolytic anemia or an autoimmune process. Low urine output can result from a variety of conditions, including kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or shock, but these are not specific indicators of an intracerebral hemorrhage following tPA.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Take the prescribed anticoagulant specifically as directed:
Clients with mechanical heart valves are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, and therefore, anticoagulation therapy (often warfarin or another blood thinner) is necessary to prevent thromboembolic events. It is essential for the client to take the prescribed anticoagulant exactly as directed, ensuring therapeutic levels are maintained while minimizing the risk of bleeding.
B) Stop taking your antihypertensive medications until checking:
This instruction is not appropriate after heart surgery. Antihypertensive medications are typically necessary to manage blood pressure and reduce the strain on the heart. Stopping antihypertensive medications without consulting the healthcare provider could result in elevated blood pressure, which can put undue stress on the heart, especially after valve replacement surgery.
C) Avoid lifting objects ten pounds or greater for two days:
This statement is not appropriate for a client who has undergone open heart surgery. After heart surgery, particularly valve replacement, the client may be advised to avoid lifting heavy objects for a period of time (often 4-6 weeks) to prevent strain on the incision site and the heart. Two days of restriction is insufficient; longer periods of activity limitation are usually required to ensure proper healing.
D) Take your immunosuppressive medications daily in the morning:
Immunosuppressive medications are not typically prescribed for clients with mechanical heart valves. Immunosuppressive drugs are usually prescribed for clients who have had organ transplants (e.g., kidney, liver) to prevent organ rejection. Since the client in this scenario had a mitral valve replacement, immunosuppressants are not usually indicated unless there are specific complications, such as endocarditis or other infections.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Urine output of 0.5-1 mL/kg/hr:
This is a positive outcome during fluid resuscitation for burn patients. Adequate urine output is a key indicator of proper renal perfusion and fluid balance. A urine output of 0.5-1 mL/kg/hr is considered optimal for burn patients during the first 24-48 hours of resuscitation. It suggests that the kidneys are receiving sufficient blood flow and that the patient is responding appropriately to the fluids being administered.
B) Serum sodium level 149 mEq/L (normal 135-145):
A serum sodium level of 149 mEq/L is high and indicates hypernatremia, which is a common complication of excessive fluid resuscitation, particularly with the use of crystalloids. Hypernatremia can lead to cerebral edema, altered mental status, and other severe complications. Therefore, this finding would suggest improper fluid management and would not be considered a positive outcome.
C) Blood pressure 82/54:
A blood pressure of 82/54 is hypotensive, which is concerning in a burn patient. Hypotension indicates inadequate tissue perfusion, potentially leading to shock and organ failure. While low blood pressure may occur in the initial stages of resuscitation due to the rapid shifts in fluid, a sustained low blood pressure is not a positive outcome.
D) Heart rate 124 beats per minute:
A heart rate of 124 beats per minute is tachycardic and suggests that the patient is compensating for hypovolemia or inadequate circulatory volume, possibly due to insufficient fluid resuscitation. Although an elevated heart rate may occur as a compensatory mechanism in the initial stages of burn resuscitation, sustained tachycardia indicates ongoing volume depletion or inadequate perfusion and is not an ideal outcome.
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