A patient presents to the emergency department (ED) complaining of nausea, vomiting, and the “worst headache he has ever experienced.”. While examining the patient, the nurse notes left leg and arm weakness.The patient is immediately sent to the radiology department for a CT scan. The registered nurse (RN) identifies the immediate need for treatment because:
A hemorrhagic brain attack is more common than an ischemic brain attack.
A thrombolytic drug will cause the peripheral and central reflexes to become hyper-reactive.
A hemorrhagic brain attack requires immediate intervention to prevent further damage.
An ischemic brain attack is less severe than a hemorrhagic brain attack.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
A hemorrhagic brain attack (stroke) is less common than an ischemic brain attack. Ischemic strokes account for the majority of strokes.
Choice B rationale
Thrombolytic drugs are used to treat ischemic strokes, not hemorrhagic strokes. They do not cause hyper-reactive reflexes.
Choice C rationale
A hemorrhagic brain attack requires immediate intervention to prevent further damage. Hemorrhagic strokes involve bleeding in the brain, which can rapidly worsen and cause severe damage.
Choice D rationale
An ischemic brain attack is not necessarily less severe than a hemorrhagic brain attack. Both types of strokes are serious, but hemorrhagic strokes often require more urgent intervention due to the risk of ongoing bleeding.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute indicates tachypnea, which is a sign of respiratory distress. Immediate intervention is needed to address the underlying cause and prevent further deterioration of the patient’s condition.
Choice B rationale
A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) indicates a fever, which may suggest an infection. While this requires medical attention, it is not as immediately critical as respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale
A blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg is considered high, but it does not indicate an immediate need for intervention in the context of COPD. Hypertension should be managed, but it is not an acute emergency.
Choice D rationale
A heart rate of 90 beats per minute is within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate need for intervention. Monitoring the patient’s heart rate is important, but it is not an urgent concern in this scenario.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering vitamin B12 to increase RBC size is not appropriate in this scenario. The elevated MCV indicates macrocytic anemia, which is often due to vitamin B12 deficiency. The goal is to restore normal RBC maturation, not to increase RBC size.
Choice B rationale
Administering vitamin B12 to restore normal RBC maturation is the appropriate action. The elevated MCV indicates macrocytic anemia, which is often due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Administering vitamin B12 will help restore normal RBC maturation and correct the anemia.
Choice C rationale
Administering medication to decrease RBC size is not appropriate in this scenario. The elevated MCV indicates macrocytic anemia, which is often due to vitamin B12 deficiency. The goal is to restore normal RBC maturation, not to decrease RBC size.
Choice D rationale
Administering iron to increase the formation of hemoglobin molecules is not appropriate in this scenario. The elevated MCV indicates macrocytic anemia, which is often due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Iron supplementation is typically used for microcytic anemia, not macrocytic anemia.