A nurse is caring for a client who has had a hemorrhagic stroke following a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
Gradual onset of headache.
Changes in consciousness.
Gradual onset of several hours.
History of neurologic deficits lasting less than 1 hr.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
A gradual onset of headache is more characteristic of other types of headaches or conditions, such as tension headaches or migraines. Hemorrhagic strokes, particularly those caused by a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, typically present with a sudden and severe headache, often described as the “worst headache of my life.” This sudden onset is due to the rapid accumulation of blood in the brain, which increases intracranial pressure and causes immediate symptoms.
Choice B reason:
Changes in consciousness are a common manifestation of a hemorrhagic stroke. The sudden bleeding into the brain can disrupt normal brain function, leading to symptoms such as confusion, lethargy, or loss of consciousness. These changes occur rapidly and are a key indicator of a serious neurological event. The nurse should be vigilant for any alterations in the client’s level of consciousness, as this can signify worsening of the condition and the need for immediate medical intervention.
Choice C reason:
A gradual onset of several hours is not typical for hemorrhagic strokes. These strokes usually present with sudden and severe symptoms due to the abrupt rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. The rapid increase in intracranial pressure from the bleeding causes immediate and severe symptoms, rather than a slow progression over hours.
Choice D reason:
A history of neurologic deficits lasting less than 1 hour is more indicative of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke. TIAs are temporary and resolve within a short period without causing permanent damage. In contrast, a hemorrhagic stroke caused by a ruptured cerebral aneurysm results in immediate and severe symptoms that do not resolve quickly and require urgent medical attention.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While epidemiology provides valuable data that can inform public health policies and legislation, it does not directly interpret legislation. The role of epidemiology is to gather and analyze data on health outcomes, which can then be used by policymakers to create informed legislation. Therefore, this statement does not accurately reflect the primary functions of epidemiology.
Choice B reason:
Epidemiology evaluates the effectiveness of nursing interventions by analyzing data on health outcomes before and after the implementation of specific interventions. This helps determine whether the interventions are successful in improving health and reducing disease incidence. Community health nurses rely on this data to make evidence-based decisions and improve their practice.
Choice C reason:
Epidemiology analyzes and examines the root causes of health outcomes by studying patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in populations. This analysis helps identify risk factors and underlying causes of diseases, which is essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Choice D reason:
Epidemiology defines the burden of disease and determinants of health by quantifying the incidence, prevalence, and impact of diseases within a population. This information is crucial for public health planning and resource allocation, as it highlights the most pressing health issues and their contributing factors.
Choice E reason:
Epidemiology relates to the health status of a population by providing comprehensive data on health trends, disease outbreaks, and overall health outcomes. This information helps community health nurses understand the health needs of their populations and tailor their interventions accordingly.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Administering an antipyretic can help reduce fever, which is a common symptom of meningococcal meningitis. However, this action does not address the immediate need to assess the extent of neurological impairment. While fever management is important, it is not the first priority in this situation.
Choice B reason:
Completing a vascular assessment is important to evaluate the client’s circulatory status, especially if there are signs of septicemia. However, in the context of suspected meningococcal meningitis, the priority is to assess the neurological status to determine the extent of central nervous system involvement. This will guide further treatment and interventions.
Choice C reason:
Assessing the cranial nerves is crucial in a client with suspected meningococcal meningitis. This assessment helps determine the extent of neurological impairment and can provide critical information about the progression of the disease. Early identification of neurological deficits can guide immediate and appropriate interventions to prevent further complications.
Choice D reason:
Decreasing environmental stimuli can help reduce discomfort for the client, especially if they are experiencing photophobia or other sensory sensitivities. However, this action does not address the immediate need to assess the client’s neurological status. It is a supportive measure that can be implemented after more critical assessments are completed.