Brunner- chap 67 stroke
A 154-pound woman has been prescribed tPA (0.9 mg/kg) for an ischemic stroke. The nurse knows to give how many mg initially? a. 7.5 mg b. 6.3 mg c. 8.3 mg d. 10 mg
6.3 mg A person who weighs 154 lbs weighs 70 kg. To calculate total dosage, multiply 70 × 0.9 mg/kg = 63 mg. Ten percent of the calculated dose is given as an IV bolus over 1 minute. The remaining dose (90%) is given IV over 1 hour via an infusion pump. So initially the nurse gives 10% (6.3 mg) over 1 minute.
After a major ischemic stroke, a possible complication is cerebral edema. Nursing care during the immediate recovery period from an ischemic stroke should include which of the following? A) Positioning to avoid hypoxia B) Maximizing PaCO2 C) Administering hypertonic IV solution D) Initiating early mobilization
A (Feedback: Interventions during this period include measures to reduce ICP, such as administering an osmotic diuretic (e.g., mannitol), maintaining the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) within the range of 30 to 35 mm Hg, and positioning to avoid hypoxia. Hypertonic IV solutions are not used unless sodium depletion is evident. Mobilization would take place after the immediate threat of increased ICP has past.)
A patient has experienced right side brain damage. You note the patient is experiencing neglect syndrome. What nursing intervention will you include in the patient's plan of care? A. Remind the patient to use and touch both sides of the body daily. B. Offer the patient a soft mechanical diet with honey thick liquids. C. Ask direct questions that require one word responses. D. Offer the bedpan and bedside commode every 2 hours.
A. It is important to watch for neglect syndrome. This tends to happen in right side brain damage. The patient ignores the left side of the body in this condition. The nurse needs to remind the patient to use and touch both sides of the body daily and that the patient must make a conscious effort to do so.
You need to obtain informed consent from a patient for a procedure. The patient experienced a stroke three months ago. The patient is unable to sign the consent form because he can't write. This is known as what: A. Agraphia B. Alexia C. Hemianopia D. Apraxia
Agraphia
When caring for a patient who had a hemorrhagic stroke, close monitoring of vital signs and neurologic changes is imperative. What is the earliest sign of deterioration in a patient with a hemorrhagic stroke of which the nurse should be aware? A) Generalized pain B) Alteration in level of consciousness (LOC) C) Tonic-clonic seizures D) Shortness of breath
B (Feedback: Alteration in LOC is the earliest sign of deterioration in a patient after a hemorrhagic stroke, such as mild drowsiness, slight slurring of speech, and sluggish papillary reaction. Sudden headache may occur, but generalized pain is less common. Seizures and shortness of breath are not identified as early signs of hemorrhagic stroke.)
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with a hemorrhagic stroke. When creating this patient's plan of care, what goal should be prioritized? A) Prevent complications of immobility. B) Maintain and improve cerebral tissue perfusion. C) Relieve anxiety and pain. D) Relieve sensory deprivation.
B (Feedback: Each of the listed goals is appropriate in the care of a patient recovering from a stroke. However, promoting cerebral perfusion is a priority physiologic need, on which the patient's survival depends.)
Which patients are NOT a candidate for tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for the treatment of stroke? A. A patient with a CT scan that is negative. B. A patient whose blood pressure is 200/110. C. A patient who is showing signs and symptoms of ischemic stroke. D. A patient who received Heparin 24 hours ago.
B and D. Patients who are experiencing signs and symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke, who have a BP for >185/110, and has received heparin or any other anticoagulants etc. are NOT a candidate for tPA. *tPA is only for an ischemic stroke.
As a member of the stroke team, the nurse knows that thrombolytic therapy carries the potential for benefit and for harm. The nurse should be cognizant of what contraindications for thrombolytic therapy? Select all that apply. A) INR above 1.0 B) Recent intracranial pathology C) Sudden symptom onset D) Current anticoagulation therapy E) Symptom onset greater than 3 hours prior to admission
B, D, E (Feedback: Some of the absolute contraindications for thrombolytic therapy include symptom onset greater than 3 hours before admission, a patient who is anticoagulated (with an INR above 1.7), or a patient who has recently had any type of intracranial pathology (e.g., previous stroke, head injury, trauma).)
You receive a patient who is suspected of experiencing a stroke from EMS. You conduct a stroke assessment with the NIH Stroke Scale. The patient scores a 40. According to the scale, the result is: A. No stroke symptoms B. Severe stroke symptoms C. Mild stroke symptoms D. Moderate stroke symptoms
B. Scores on the NIH stroke scale range from 0 to 42, with 0 (no stroke symptoms) and 21-42 (severe stroke symptoms).
A patient has had an ischemic stroke and has been admitted to the medical unit. What action should the nurse perform to best prevent joint deformities? A) Place the patient in the prone position for 30 minutes/day. B) Assist the patient in acutely flexing the thigh to promote movement. C) Place a pillow in the axilla when there is limited external rotation. D) Place patient's hand in pronation.
C (Feedback: A pillow in the axilla prevents adduction of the affected shoulder and keeps the arm away from the chest. The prone position with a pillow under the pelvis, not flat, promotes hyperextension of the hip joints, essential for normal gait. To promote venous return and prevent edema, the upper thigh should not be flexed acutely. The hand is placed in slight supination, not pronation, which is its most functional position.)
The nurse is discharging home a patient who suffered a stroke. He has a flaccid right arm and leg and is experiencing problems with urinary incontinence. The nurse makes a referral to a home health nurse because of an awareness of what common patient response to a change in body image? A) Denial B) Fear C) Depression D) Disassociation
C (Feedback: Depression is a common and serious problem in the patient who has had a stroke. It can result from a profound disruption in his or her life and changes in total function, leaving the patient with a loss of independence. The nurse needs to encourage the patient to verbalize feelings to assess the effect of the stroke on self-esteem. Denial, fear, and disassociation are not the most common patient response to a change in body image, although each can occur in some patients.)
The nurse is preparing health education for a patient who is being discharged after hospitalization for a hemorrhagic stroke. What content should the nurse include in this education? A) Mild, intermittent seizures can be expected. B) Take ibuprofen for complaints of a serious headache. C) Take antihypertensive medication as ordered. D) Drowsiness is normal for the first week after discharge.
C (Feedback: The patient and family are provided with information that will enable them to cooperate with the care and restrictions required during the acute phase of hemorrhagic stroke and to prepare the patient to return home. Patient and family teaching includes information about the causes of hemorrhagic stroke and its possible consequences. Symptoms of hydrocephalus include gradual onset of drowsiness and behavioral changes. Hypertension is the most serious risk factor, suggesting that appropriate antihypertensive treatment is essential for a patient being discharged. Seizure activity is not normal; complaints of a serious headache should be reported to the physician before any medication is taken. Drowsiness is not normal or expected.)
A client has a 12-year history of migraine headaches and is frustrated over how these headaches impact lifestyle. The nurse discusses the potential triggers of the client's migraines. Which is not a potential trigger to migraines? a. medications b. reproductive hormone fluctuations c. specific food chemicals d. seasonal changes
D. Researchers believe the contributing cofactors for the cause of migraines are from changes in serotonin receptors that promote dilation of cerebral blood vessels and pain intensification from neurochemicals released from the trigeminal nerve. It has been suggested that fluctuations in reproductive hormones, chemicals in certain foods, and medications can trigger migraines.
You're assessing your patient's pupil size and vision after a stroke. The patient says they can only see half of the objects in the room. You document this finding as:
Hemianopia
Which is the most common motor dysfunction seen in clients diagnosed with stroke? a. Diplopia b. Ataxia c. Hemiparesis d. Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia which is caused by a lesion of the opposite side of the brain.
A client on your unit is scheduled to have intracranial surgery in the morning. Which nursing intervention helps to avoid intraoperative complications, reduce cerebral edema, and prevent postoperative vomiting? a. Administer prescribed medications. b. Administer an osmotic diuretic. c. Administer preoperative sedation. d. Restrict fluids before surgery.
Restrict fluids before surgery.
Which is indicative of a right hemisphere stroke? Spatial-perceptual deficits Slow, cautious behavior Aphasia Altered intellectual ability
Spatial-perceptual deficits
migrane headache
a headache characterized by sudden onset and severe throbbing pain on one side of the head
Aneurysm rebleeding occurs most frequently during which time frame after the initial hemorrhage? a. First 48 hours b. First 12 hours c. First 72 hours d. First 24 hours
aneurysm rebleeding occurs most frequently during the first 2-12 hours after the initial hemorrhage and is considered a major complication.
Hemianopia
blindness in one-half of the visual field
Korsakoff syndrome after surgery
disorder characterized by psychosis, disorientation, delirium, insomnia, hallucinations, personality changes
cluster headache
excruciating stabbing or burning sensations located in the eye or cheek
Apraxia
inability to perform particular purposive actions, as a result of brain damage.
receptive aphasia
inability to understand spoken or written words
Nursing management of the client with global aphasia includes
speaking clearly to the client in simple sentences and using gestures or pictures when able.
Nursing management of the client with receptive aphasia
speaking slowing and clearly to assist the client in forming the sounds
While conversing with a patient who had a stroke six months ago, you note their speech is hard to understand and slurred. This is known as: A. Dysarthria B. Apraxia C. Alexia D. Dysphagia
A. dysarthria Slurred speech due to muscle damaged/paralyzed/weakend
You're assisting a patient who has right side hemiparesis and dysphagia with eating. It is very important to: A. Keep the head of bed less than 30′. B. Check for pouching of food in the right cheek. C. Prevent aspiration by thinning the liquids. D. Have the patient extend the neck upward away from the chest while eating.
B. Because the patient has weakness on the right side and dysphagia the nurse should regularly check for pouching of food in the right cheek. Pouching of food in the cheek can lead to aspiration or choking. The HOB should be >30′, liquids thickened per MD order, and the patient should tuck in the chin to the chest while swallowing
A patient with a new diagnosis of ischemic stroke is deemed to be a candidate for treatment with tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and has been admitted to the ICU. In addition to closely monitoring the patient's cardiac and neurologic status, the nurse monitors the patient for signs of what complication? A) Acute pain B) Septicemia C) Bleeding D) Seizures
C (Feedback: Bleeding is the most common side effect of t-PA administration, and the patient is closely monitored for any bleeding. Septicemia, pain, and seizures are much less likely to result from thrombolytic therapy.)
In order for tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to be most effective in the treatment of stroke, it must be administered? A. 6 hours after the onset of stroke symptoms B. 3 hours before the onset of stroke symptoms C. 3 hours after the onset of stroke symptoms D. 12 hours before the onset of stroke symptoms
C. - tPa dissolves the clot causing the blockage in stroke by activating the protein that causes fibrinolysis. - It should be given within 3 hours after the onset of stroke symptoms. It can be given 3 to 4.5 hours after onset IF the patient meets strict criteria. * It is used for acute ischemia stroke, NOT hemorrhagic!!
What should be included in the patient's care plan when establishing an exercise program for a patient affected by a stroke? A) Schedule passive range of motion every other day. B) Keep activity limited, as the patient may be over stimulated. C) Have the patient perform active range-of-motion (ROM) exercises once a day. D) Exercise the affected extremities passively four or five times a day.
D (Feedback: The affected extremities are exercised passively and put through a full ROM four or five times a day to maintain joint mobility, regain motor control, prevent development of a contracture in the paralyzed extremity, prevent further deterioration of the neuromuscular system, and enhance circulation. Active ROM exercises should ideally be performed more than once per day.)
Nursing management of the client with cognitive deficits, such as memory loss, includes
frequently reorienting the client to time, place, and situation.
The nurse is assessing a patient with a suspected stroke. What assessment finding is most suggestive of a stroke? A) Facial droop B) Dysrhythmias C) Periorbital edema D) Projectile vomiting
A (Feedback: Facial drooping or asymmetry is a classic abnormal finding on a physical assessment that may be associated with a stroke. Facial edema is not suggestive of a stroke and patients less commonly experience dysrhythmias or vomiting.)
The nurse is caring for a patient recovering from an ischemic stroke. What intervention best addresses a potential complication after an ischemic stroke? A) Providing frequent small meals rather than three larger meals B) Teaching the patient to perform deep breathing and coughing exercises C) Keeping a urinary catheter in situ for the full duration of recovery D) Limiting intake of insoluble fiber
B (Feedback: Because pneumonia is a potential complication of stroke, deep breathing and coughing exercises should be encouraged unless contraindicated. No particular need exists to provide frequent meals and normally fiber intake should not be restricted. Urinary catheters should be discontinued as soon as possible.)
The nurse is reviewing the medication administration record of a female patient who possesses numerous risk factors for stroke. Which of the woman's medications carries the greatest potential for reducing her risk of stroke? A) Naproxen 250 PO b.i.d. B) Calcium carbonate 1,000 mg PO b.i.d. C) Aspirin 81 mg PO o.d. D) Lorazepam 1 mg SL b.i.d. PRN
C (Feedback: Research findings suggest that low-dose aspirin may lower the risk of stroke in women who are at risk. Naproxen, lorazepam, and calcium supplements do not have this effect.)
A patient diagnosed with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) is scheduled for a carotid endarterectomy. The nurse explains that this procedure will be done for what purpose? A) To decrease cerebral edema B) To prevent seizure activity that is common following a TIA C) To remove atherosclerotic plaques blocking cerebral flow D) To determine the cause of the TIA
C (Feedback: The main surgical procedure for select patients with TIAs is carotid endarterectomy, the removal of an atherosclerotic plaque or thrombus from the carotid artery to prevent stroke in patients with occlusive disease of the extracranial arteries. An endarterectomy does not decrease cerebral edema, prevent seizure activity, or determine the cause of a TIA.)
A patient with a cerebral aneurysm exhibits signs and symptoms of an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP). What nursing intervention would be most appropriate for this patient? A) Range-of-motion exercises to prevent contractures B) Encouraging independence with ADLs to promote recovery C) Early initiation of physical therapy D) Absolute bed rest in a quiet, nonstimulating environment
D (Feedback: The patient is placed on immediate and absolute bed rest in a quiet, nonstressful environment because activity, pain, and anxiety elevate BP, which increases the risk for bleeding. Visitors are restricted. The nurse administers all personal care. The patient is fed and bathed to prevent any exertion that might raise BP.)
A patient who has experienced an ischemic stroke has been admitted to the medical unit. The patient's family in adamant that she remains on bed rest to hasten her recovery and to conserve energy. What principle of care should inform the nurse's response to the family? A) The patient should mobilize as soon as she is physically able. B) To prevent contractures and muscle atrophy, bed rest should not exceed 4 weeks. C) The patient should remain on bed rest until she expresses a desire to mobilize. D) Lack of mobility will greatly increase the patient's risk of stroke recurrence.
A (Feedback: As soon as possible, the patient is assisted out of bed and an active rehabilitation program is started. Delaying mobility causes complications, but not necessarily stroke recurrence. Mobility should not be withheld until the patient initiates.)
After a subarachnoid hemorrhage, the patient's laboratory results indicate a serum sodium level of less than 126 mEq/L. What is the nurse's most appropriate action? A) Administer a bolus of normal saline as ordered. B) Prepare the patient for thrombolytic therapy as ordered. C) Facilitate testing for hypothalamic dysfunction. D) Prepare to administer 3% NaCl by IV as ordered.
D (Feedback: The patient may be experiencing syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) or cerebral salt-wasting syndrome. The treatment most often is the use of IV hypertonic 3% saline. A normal saline bolus would exacerbate the problem and there is no indication for tests of hypothalamic function or thrombolytic therapy.)
Which set of symptoms characterize Korsakoff syndrome? a. Choreiform movement and dementia b. Psychosis, disorientation, delirium, insomnia, and hallucinations c. Severe dementia and myoclonus D. Tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia
disorder characterized by psychosis, disorientation, delirium, insomnia, hallucinations, personality changes
A patient has recently begun mobilizing during the recovery from an ischemic stroke. To protect the patient's safety during mobilization, the nurse should perform what action? A) Support the patient's full body weight with a waist belt during ambulation. B) Have a colleague follow the patient closely with a wheelchair. C) Avoid mobilizing the patient in the early morning or late evening. D) Ensure that the patient's family members do not participate in mobilization.
B (Feedback: During mobilization, a chair or wheelchair should be readily available in case the patient suddenly becomes fatigued or feels dizzy. The family should be encouraged to participate, as appropriate, and the nurse should not have to support the patient's full body weight. Morning and evening activity are not necessarily problematic.)
A patient has right side brain damage from a stroke. Select all the signs and symptoms that occurs with this type of stroke: A. Right side hemiplegia B. Confusion on date, time, and place C. Aphasia D. Unilateral neglect E. Aware of limitations F. Impulsive G. Short attention span H. Agraphia
B, D, F, and G. Patients who have right side brain damage will have - LEFT side hemiplegia (opposite side) - confused on date, time, and place - unilateral neglect (left side neglect) - DENIAL about limitations - impulsive - short attention span * Agraphia, right side hemiplegia, aware of limitations, and aphasia occur in a LEFT SIDE brain injury.
When preparing to discharge a patient home, the nurse has met with the family and warned them that the patient may exhibit unexpected emotional responses. The nurse should teach the family that these responses are typically a result of what cause? A) Frustration around changes in function and communication B) Unmet physiologic needs C) Changes in brain activity during sleep and wakefulness D) Temporary changes in metabolism
A (Feedback: Emotional problems associated with stroke are often related to the new challenges around ADLs and communication. These challenges are more likely than metabolic changes, unmet physiologic needs, or changes in brain activity, each of which should be ruled out.)
A patient who suffered an ischemic stroke now has disturbed sensory perception. What principle should guide the nurse's care of this patient? A) The patient should be approached on the side where visual perception is intact. B) Attention to the affected side should be minimized in order to decrease anxiety. C) The patient should avoid turning in the direction of the defective visual field to minimize shoulder subluxation. D) The patient should be approached on the opposite side of where the visual perception is intact to promote recovery.
A (Feedback: Patients with decreased field of vision should first be approached on the side where visual perception is intact. All visual stimuli should be placed on this side. The patient can and should be taught to turn the head in the direction of the defective visual field to compensate for this loss. The nurse should constantly remind the patient of the other side of the body and should later stand at a position that encourages the patient to move or turn to visualize who and what is in the room.)
Following diagnostic testing, a patient has been admitted to the ICU and placed on cerebral aneurysm precautions. What nursing action should be included in patient's plan of care? A) Supervise the patient's activities of daily living closely. B) Initiate early ambulation to prevent complications of immobility. C) Provide a high-calorie, low-protein diet. D) Perform all of the patient's hygiene and feeding.
A (Feedback: The patient is placed on immediate and absolute bed rest in a quiet, nonstressful environment, because activity, pain, and anxiety elevate BP, which increases the risk for bleeding. As such, independent ADLs and ambulation are contraindicated. There is no need for a high-calorie or low-protein diet.)
During a patient's recovery from stroke, the nurse should be aware of predictors of stroke outcome in order to help patients and families set realistic goals. What are the predictors of stroke outcome? Select all that apply. A) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score B) Race C) LOC at time of admission D) Gender E) Age
A, C, E (Feedback: It is helpful for clinicians to be knowledgeable about the relative importance of predictors of stroke outcome (age, NIHSS score, and LOC at time of admission) to provide stroke survivors and their families with realistic goals. Race and gender are not predictors of stroke outcome.)
The nurse is performing stroke risk screenings at a hospital open house. The nurse has identified four patients who might be at risk for a stroke. Which patient is likely at the highest risk for a hemorrhagic stroke? A) White female, age 60, with history of excessive alcohol intake B) White male, age 60, with history of uncontrolled hypertension C) Black male, age 60, with history of diabetes D) Black male, age 50, with history of smoking
B (Feedback: Uncontrolled hypertension is the primary cause of a hemorrhagic stroke. Control of hypertension, especially in individuals over 55 years of age, clearly reduces the risk for hemorrhagic stroke. Additional risk factors are increased age, male gender, and excessive alcohol intake. Another high-risk group includes African Americans, where the incidence of first stroke is almost twice that as in Caucasians.)
The nurse is providing information about strokes to a community group. Which of the following would the nurse identify as the primary initial symptoms of an ischemic stroke? a. Severe headache and early change in level of consciousness b. Vomiting and seizures c. Footdrop and external hip rotation d .Weakness on one side of the body and difficulty with speech
D. The main presenting symptoms for an ischemic stroke are numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion or change in mental status; and trouble speaking or understanding speech.
Nursing management of the client with expressive aphasia includes
encouraging the client to repeat sounds of the alphabet.
Severe headache, vomiting, early change in level of consciousness, and seizures are early signs of a ______________ stroke.
hemorrhagic
When communicating with a client who has sensory (receptive) aphasia, the nurse should: 1. allow time for the client to respond. 2. speak loudly and articulate clearly. 3. give the client a writing pad. 4. use short, simple sentences.
4. use short, simple sentences. Although receptive aphasia allows the client to hear words, it impairs the ability to comprehend their meaning. The nurse should use short, simple sentences to promote comprehension. *Allowing time for the client to respond might be helpful, but it's less important than simplifying the communication.
When caring for a patient who has had a stroke, a priority is reduction of ICP. What patient position is most consistent with this goal? A) Head turned slightly to the right side B) Elevation of the head of the bed C) Position changes every 15 minutes while awake D) Extension of the neck
B (Feedback: Elevation of the head of the bed promotes venous drainage and lowers ICP; the nurse should avoid flexing or extending the neck or turning the head side to side. The head should be in a neutral midline position. Excessively frequent position changes are unnecessary.)
When communicating with a client who has sensory (receptive) aphasia, the nurse should: 1. allow time for the client to respond. 2. speak loudly and articulate clearly. 3. give the client a writing pad. 4. use short, simple sentences
4. - Although receptive aphasia allows the client to hear words, it impairs the ability to comprehend their meaning. The nurse should use short, simple sentences to promote comprehension. - Allowing time for the client to respond might be helpful, but it's less important than simplifying the communication.
The provider diagnoses the patient as having an ischemic stroke. The etiology of an ischemic stroke would include which of the following? a) Cerebral aneurysm b) Cardiogenic emboli c) Intracerebral hemorrhage d) Arteriovenous malformation
Cardiogenic emboli. * An embolism can block blood flow, leading to ischemia. * Aneurysms, hemorrhages, and malformations are all examples of a hemorrhagic stroke.
An aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge of an artery wall. As an aneurysm grows it puts pressure on nearby structures and may eventually rupture. A ruptured aneurysm releases blood into the subarachnoid space around the brain. A subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a life-threatening type of stroke. Treatment:
focuses on stopping the bleeding and repairing the aneurysm with clipping, coiling, or bypass.
The nurse plays a critical role in the initial work-up of a patient with acute stroke symptoms. An immediate decision is to determine if the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic. Although there is overlap in some motor, sensory, and cognitive changes, hemorrhagic strokes can be identified by some specific signs. Which of the following signs are consistent with a hemorrhagic stroke? Select all that apply. Numbness or weakness of an extremity Loss of balance Altered level of consciousness Seizures Vomiting Sudden, severe headache
Correct response: Vomiting Sudden, severe headache Seizures * These three signs are usually diagnostic of a hemorrhagic stroke. The other signs can occur with both hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke.
A patient diagnosed with a cerebral aneurysm reports a severe headache to the nurse. What action is a priority for the nurse? A) Sit with the patient for a few minutes. B) Administer an analgesic. C) Inform the nurse-manager. D) Call the physician immediately.
D (Feedback: A headache may be an indication that the aneurysm is leaking. The nurse should notify the physician immediately. The physician will decide whether administration of an analgesic is indicated. Informing the nurse-manager is not necessary. Sitting with the patient is appropriate, once the physician has been notified of the change in the patient's condition.)
A patient who just suffered a suspected ischemic stroke is brought to the ED by ambulance. On what should the nurse's primary assessment focus? A) Cardiac and respiratory status B) Seizure activity C) Pain D) Fluid and electrolyte balance
A (Feedback: Acute care begins with managing ABCs. Patients may have difficulty keeping an open and clear airway secondary to decreased LOC. Neurologic assessment with close monitoring for signs of increased neurologic deficit and seizure activity occurs next. Fluid and electrolyte balance must be controlled carefully with the goal of adequate hydration to promote perfusion and decrease further brain activity.)
The patient has been diagnosed with aphasia after suffering a stroke. What can the nurse do to best make the patient's atmosphere more conducive to communication? A) Provide a board of commonly used needs and phrases. B) Have the patient speak to loved ones on the phone daily. C) Help the patient complete his or her sentences. D) Speak in a loud and deliberate voice to the patient.
A (Feedback: The inability to talk on the telephone or answer a question or exclusion from conversation causes anger, frustration, fear of the future, and hopelessness. A common pitfall is for the nurse or other health care team member to complete the thoughts or sentences of the patient. This should be avoided because it may cause the patient to feel more frustrated at not being allowed to speak and may deter efforts to practice putting thoughts together and completing a sentence. The patient may also benefit from a communication board, which has pictures of commonly requested needs and phrases. The board may be translated into several languages.)
A patient is brought by ambulance to the ED after suffering what the family thinks is a stroke. The nurse caring for this patient is aware that an absolute contraindication for thrombolytic therapy is what? A) Evidence of hemorrhagic stroke B) Blood pressure of ³ 180/110 mm Hg C) Evidence of stroke evolution D) Previous thrombolytic therapy within the past 12 months
A (Feedback: Thrombolytic therapy would exacerbate a hemorrhagic stroke with potentially fatal consequences. Stroke evolution, high BP, or previous thrombolytic therapy does not contraindicate its safe and effective use.)
A preceptor is discussing stroke with a new nurse on the unit. The preceptor would tell the new nurse which cardiac dysrhythmia is associated with cardiogenic embolic strokes? A) Ventricular tachycardia B) Atrial fibrillation C) Supraventricular tachycardia D) Bundle branch block
B (Feedback: Cardiogenic embolic strokes are associated with cardiac dysrhythmias, usually atrial fibrillation. The other listed dysrhythmias are less commonly associated with this type of stroke.)
A family member brings the patient to the clinic for a follow-up visit after a stroke. The family member asks the nurse what he can do to decrease his chance of having another stroke. What would be the nurse's best answer? A) Have your heart checked regularly. B) Stop smoking as soon as possible. C) Get medication to bring down your sodium levels. D) Eat a nutritious diet.
B (Feedback: Smoking is a modifiable and highly significant risk factor for stroke. The significance of smoking, and the potential benefits of quitting, exceed the roles of sodium, diet, and regular medical assessments.)
After the patient has received tPA, the nurse knows to check vital signs every 30 minutes for 6 hours. Which of the following readings would require calling the provider? a) Diastolic pressure of 110 mm Hg b) Heart rate of 100 c) Systolic pressure of 180 mm Hg d) Respiration of 22
A A diastolic pressure reading of over 105 mm Hg warrants notifying the health care provider. The other choices are within normal range
You're educating a group of nursing students about left side brain damage. Select all the signs and symptoms noted with this type of stroke: A. Aphasia B. Denial about limitations C. Impaired math skills D. Issues with seeing on the right side E. Disoriented F. Depression and anger G. Impulsive H. Agraphia
A, C, D, F, and H. Patients who have left side brain damage will have aphasia, be AWARE of their limitations, impaired math skills, issues with seeing on the right side, no deficit in memory, depression/anger, cautious, and agraphia. All the other options are found in right side brain injury.
A nurse is working with a student nurse who is caring for a client with an acute bleeding cerebral aneurysm. Which action by the student nurse requires further intervention? a. Positioning the client to prevent airway obstruction b. Administering I.V. fluid as ordered and monitoring the client for signs of fluid volume excess c. Keeping the client in one position to decrease bleeding d. Maintaining the client in a quiet environment
c. Keeping the client in one position to decrease bleeding. * The student nurse shouldn't keep the client in one position. She should carefully reposition the client often (at least every hour). The client needs to be positioned so that a patent airway can be maintained.
A nursing student is writing a care plan for a newly admitted patient who has been diagnosed with a stroke. What major nursing diagnosis should most likely be included in the patient's plan of care? A) Adult failure to thrive B) Post-trauma syndrome C) Hyperthermia D) Disturbed sensory perception
D (Feedback: The patient who has experienced a stroke is at a high risk for disturbed sensory perception. Stroke is associated with multiple other nursing diagnoses, but hyperthermia, adult failure to thrive, and post-trauma syndrome are not among these.)
You're reading the physician's history and physical assessment report. You note the physician wrote that the patient has apraxia. What assessment finding in your morning assessment correlates with this condition? A. The patient is unable to read. B. The patient has limited vision in half of the visual field. C. The patient is unable to wink or move his arm to scratch his skin. D. The patient doesn't recognize a pencil or television.
inability to perform particular purposive actions, as a result of brain damage. (motor activities) C. The patient is unable to wink or move his arm to scratch his skin.
A nurse in the ICU is providing care for a patient who has been admitted with a hemorrhagic stroke. The nurse is performing frequent neurologic assessments and observes that the patient is becoming progressively more drowsy over the course of the day. What is the nurse's best response to this assessment finding? A) Report this finding to the physician as an indication of decreased metabolism. B) Provide more stimulation to the patient and monitor the patient closely. C) Recognize this as the expected clinical course of a hemorrhagic stroke. D) Report this to the physician as a possible sign of clinical deterioration.
D (Feedback: Alteration in LOC often is the earliest sign of deterioration in a patient with a hemorrhagic stroke. Drowsiness and slight slurring of speech may be early signs that the LOC is deteriorating. This finding is unlikely to be the result of metabolic changes and it is not expected. Stimulating a patient with an acute stroke is usually contraindicated.)
The nurse is preparing to administer tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) to a patient who weighs 132 lb. The order reads 0.9 mg/kg t-PA. The nurse understands that 10% of the calculated dose is administered as an IV bolus over 1 minute, and the remaining dose (90%) is administered IV over 1 hour via an infusion pump. How many milligrams IV bolus over 1 minute will the nurse initially administer?
5.4 - First, the nurse must convert the patient's weight to kilograms (132/2.2 = 60 kg) - then multiply 0.9 mg × 60 kg = 54 mg. - Next, the nurse figure out that 10% of 54 mg is 5.4 (54 ×.10). - The nurse will initially administer 5.4 mgs IV bolus over 1 minute.
The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with an ischemic stroke and knows that effective positioning of the patient is important. Which of the following should be integrated into the patient's plan of care? A) The patient's hip joint should be maintained in a flexed position. B) The patient should be in a supine position unless ambulating. C) The patient should be placed in a prone position for 15 to 30 minutes several times a day. D) The patient should be placed in a Trendelenberg position two to three times daily to promote cerebral perfusion.
C (Feedback: If possible, the patient is placed in a prone position for 15 to 30 minutes several times a day. A small pillow or a support is placed under the pelvis, extending from the level of the umbilicus to the upper third of the thigh. This helps to promote hyperextension of the hip joints, which is essential for normal gait, and helps prevent knee and hip flexion contractures. The hip joints should not be maintained in flexion and the Trendelenberg position is not indicated.)
A rehabilitation nurse caring for a patient who has had a stroke is approached by the patient's family and asked why the patient has to do so much for herself when she is obviously struggling. What would be the nurse's best answer? A) We are trying to help her be as useful as she possibly can. B) The focus on care in a rehabilitation facility is to help the patient to resume as much self-care as possible. C) We aren't here to care for her the way the hospital staff did; we are here to help her get better so she can go home. D) Rehabilitation means helping patients do exactly what they did before their stroke.
B (Feedback: In both acute care and rehabilitation facilities, the focus is on teaching the patient to resume as much self-care as possible. The goal of rehabilitation is not to be useful, nor is it to return patients to their prestroke level of functioning, which may be unrealistic.)
A patient has been admitted to the ICU after being recently diagnosed with an aneurysm and the patient's admission orders include specific aneurysm precautions. What nursing action will the nurse incorporate into the patient's plan of care? A) Elevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees. B) Maintain the patient on complete bed rest. C) Administer enemas when the patient is constipated. D) Avoid use of thigh-high elastic compression stockings.
B (Feedback: Cerebral aneurysm precautions are implemented for the patient with a diagnosis of aneurysm to provide a nonstimulating environment, prevent increases in ICP, and prevent further bleeding. The patient is placed on immediate and absolute bed rest in a quiet, nonstressful environment because activity, pain, and anxiety elevate BP, which increases the risk for bleeding. Visitors, except for family, are restricted. The head of the bed is elevated 15 to 30 degrees to promote venous drainage and decrease ICP. Some neurologists, however, prefer that the patient remains flat to increase cerebral perfusion. No enemas are permitted, but stool softeners and mild laxatives are prescribed. Thigh-high elastic compression stockings or sequential compression boots may be ordered to decrease the patient's risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).)
A patient is admitted with uncontrolled atrial fibrillation. The patient's medication history includes vitamin D supplements and calcium. What type of stroke is this patient at MOST risk for? A. Ischemic thrombosis B. Ischemic embolism C. Hemorrhagic D. Ischemic stenosis
B. If a patient is in uncontrolled a-fib they are at risk for clot formation within the heart chambers. This clot can leave the heart and travel to the brain. Hence, an ischemic embolism type stroke can occur. *An ischemic thrombosis type stroke is where a clot forms within the artery wall of the neck or brain
A community health nurse is giving an educational presentation about stroke and heart disease at the local senior citizens center. What nonmodifiable risk factor for stroke should the nurse cite? A) Female gender B) Asian American race C) Advanced age D) Smoking
C (Feedback: Advanced age, male gender, and race are well-known nonmodifiable risk factors for stroke. High-risk groups include people older than 55 years of age; the incidence of stroke more than doubles in each successive decade. Men have a higher rate of stroke than that of women. Another high-risk group is African Americans; the incidence of first stroke in African Americans is almost twice that as in Caucasian Americans; Asian American race is not a risk factor. Smoking is a modifiable risk.)
A patient diagnosed with a hemorrhagic stroke has been admitted to the neurologic ICU. The nurse knows that teaching for the patient and family needs to begin as soon as the patient is settled on the unit and will continue until the patient is discharged. What will family education need to include? A) How to differentiate between hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke B) Risk factors for ischemic stroke C) How to correctly modify the home environment D) Techniques for adjusting the patient's medication dosages at home
C (Feedback: For a patient with a hemorrhagic stroke, teaching addresses the use of assistive devices or modification of the home environment to help the patient live with the disability. This is more important to the patient's needs than knowing about risk factors for ischemic stroke. It is not necessary for the family to differentiate between different types of strokes. Medication regimens should never be altered without consultation.)
The pathophysiology of an ischemic stroke involves the ischemic cascade, which includes the following steps: 1. Change in pH 2. Blood flow decreases 3. A switch to anaerobic respiration 4. Membrane pumps fail 5. Cells cease to function 6. Lactic acid is generated Put these steps in order in which they occur. A) 635241 B) 352416 C) 236145 D) 162534
C (Feedback: The ischemic cascade begins when cerebral blood flow decreases to less than 25 mL per 100 g of blood per minute. At this point, neurons are no longer able to maintain aerobic respiration. The mitochondria must then switch to anaerobic respiration, which generates large amounts of lactic acid, causing a change in the pH. This switch to the less efficient anaerobic respiration also renders the neuron incapable of producing sufficient quantities of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to fuel the depolarization processes. The membrane pumps that maintain electrolyte balances begin to fail, and the cells cease to function.)
The public health nurse is planning a health promotion campaign that reflects current epidemiologic trends. The nurse should know that hemorrhagic stroke currently accounts for what percentage of total strokes in the United States? A) 43% B) 33% C) 23% D) 13%
D (Feedback: Strokes can be divided into two major categories: ischemic (87%), in which vascular occlusion and significant hypoperfusion occur, and hemorrhagic (13%), in which there is extravasation of blood into the brain or subarachnoid space.)
A female patient is diagnosed with a right-sided stroke. The patient is now experiencing hemianopsia. How might the nurse help the patient manage her potential sensory and perceptional difficulties? A) Keep the lighting in the patient's room low. B) Place the patient's clock on the affected side. C) Approach the patient on the side where vision is impaired. D) Place the patient's extremities where she can see them.
D (Feedback: The patient with homonymous hemianopsia (loss of half of the visual field) turns away from the affected side of the body and tends to neglect that side and the space on that side; this is called amorphosynthesis. In such instances, the patient cannot see food on half of the tray, and only half of the room is visible. It is important for the nurse to remind the patient constantly of the other side of the body, to maintain alignment of the extremities, and if possible, to place the extremities where the patient can see them. Patients with a decreased field of vision should be approached on the side where visual perception is intact. All visual stimuli (clock, calendar, and television) should be placed on this side. The patient can be taught to turn the head in the direction of the defective visual field to compensate for this loss. Increasing the natural or artificial lighting in the room and providing eyeglasses are important in increasing vision. There is no reason to keep the lights dim.)
A patient recovering from a stroke has severe shoulder pain from subluxation of the shoulder and is being cared for on the unit. To prevent further injury and pain, the nurse caring for this patient is aware of what principle of care? A) The patient should be fitted with a cast because use of a sling should be avoided due to adduction of the affected shoulder. B) Elevation of the arm and hand can lead to further complications associated with edema. C) Passively exercising the affected extremity is avoided in order to minimize pain. D) The patient should be taught to interlace fingers, place palms together, and slowly bring scapulae forward to avoid excessive force to shoulder.
D (Feedback: To prevent shoulder pain, the nurse should never lift a patient by the flaccid shoulder or pull on the affected arm or shoulder. The patient is taught how to move and exercise the affected arm/shoulder through proper movement and positioning. The patient is instructed to interlace the fingers, place the palms together, and push the clasped hands slowly forward to bring the scapulae forward; he or she then raises both hands above the head. This is repeated throughout the day. The use of a properly worn sling when the patient is out of bed prevents the paralyzed upper extremity from dangling without support. Range-of-motion exercises are still vitally important in preventing a frozen shoulder and ultimately atrophy of subcutaneous tissues, which can cause more pain. Elevation of the arm and hand is also important in preventing dependent edema of the hand.)
Your patient who had a stroke has issues with understanding speech. What type of aphasia is this patient experiencing and what area of the brain is affected? A. Expressive; Wernicke's area B. Receptive, Broca's area C. Expressive; hippocampus D. Receptive; Wernicke's area
D. Receptive; Wernicke's area
Types of Aphasia
Global (Speech is absent or severely reduced) Broca's (Person can understand language, but cannot use language themselves) receptive, Wernicke's: (Can speak, but cannot understand)
