The nurse is caring for a client who reports a sudden, severe headache and facial numbness. The nurse asks the client to smile and observes an uneven smile with facial droop to the right side and a hand grasp strength that is weaker on the right than the left. The client denies a recent history of headaches or trauma. Which intervention should the nurse perform in the immediate management of the client?
Administer aspirin to prevent further clot formation and platelet clumping.
Maintain elevated positioning of the dependent joints on the affected side.
Verify prescribed laboratory tests include prothrombin time and platelet count.
Start two large bore IV catheters and review inclusion criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Administering aspirin is not appropriate at this time, as it may delay treatment for a stroke if that is the underlying cause.
B. Maintaining elevated positioning of the dependent joints is not a priority in this acute situation and does not address the immediate needs of the client showing signs of possible stroke.
C. Verifying laboratory tests like prothrombin time and platelet count is important but is not an immediate intervention that addresses the acute condition.
D. Starting two large bore IV catheters and reviewing criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy is crucial because the client presents with signs of a potential stroke. Rapid identification and treatment are essential to improving outcomes in acute ischemic stroke cases.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While hematocrit levels provide information about blood volume status, they are not directly relevant to infection status or wound healing in burn patients.
B. Blood pH levels can indicate acid-base imbalances, but they do not specifically inform the nurse about the presence of infection.
C. Platelet count is important for assessing coagulation and bleeding risks, but it does not provide direct information regarding infection.
D. White blood cell (WBC) count is critical in assessing for infection, as an elevated WBC count can indicate the presence of an infection, particularly in a client with significant burns who is at increased risk for sepsis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While elevated creatinine and BUN are important indicators of kidney function, in the diuretic phase, the focus shifts to monitoring for complications, particularly fluid and electrolyte balance.
B. Hypovolemia can occur due to excessive diuresis during the diuretic phase, which can lead to significant cardiovascular effects, including ECG changes related to electrolyte imbalances, particularly potassium levels.
C. Monitoring for uremic irritation is important but less critical than monitoring for hypovolemia and ECG changes that can lead to acute complications.
D. While monitoring for side effects of TPN is relevant, it is not the priority in the context of AKI transitioning phases where fluid and electrolyte balance are paramount.