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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Removing ink marks can lead to difficulty in accurately targeting the radiation area, so the marks should be left in place until the treatment course is complete.
B. Protecting the skin from sunlight exposure is crucial, as the irradiated skin is more sensitive and at increased risk for sunburn. This recommendation helps to prevent further irritation and damage to the skin during and after treatment.
C. While moisturizing lotions can be beneficial for maintaining skin integrity, they should be used cautiously and only if prescribed by the healthcare provider, as some products may cause irritation.
D. The skin inside the radiation portal site should be washed gently with mild soap and water to keep it clean; avoiding washing is not advisable as it can lead to skin breakdown.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Wearing braces or splints on both wrists at night helps to keep the wrists in a neutral position, preventing flexion that can worsen symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, particularly during sleep when the hands are more likely to be positioned in ways that exacerbate compression of the median nerve.
B. While notifying the healthcare provider is important if symptoms are severe, it is not the immediate teaching intervention the nurse should provide for symptom management.
C. Elevating the hands may help with swelling but is not the primary intervention for managing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially pain and tingling.
D. Cold compresses may provide temporary relief but do not address the underlying issue of median nerve compression, which is better managed by using wrist braces.