Hinkle 67 Management of Patients with Cerebrovascular Disorders

The nurse is caring for a patient having a hemorrhagic stroke. What position in the bed will the nurse maintain this patient? 1. Semi-Fowler's 2. Prone 3. High-Fowler's 4. Supine

1. Semi-Fowler's The head of the bed is elevated 15 to 30 degrees (semi-Fowler's position) to promote venous drainage and decrease intracranial pressure.

A client admitted to the emergency department is being evaluated for the possibility of a stroke. Which assessment finding would lead the nurse to suspect that the client is experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke? 1. severe exploding headache 2. left-sided weakness 3. slurred speech 4. difficulty finding appropriate words

1. severe exploding headache A hemorrhagic stroke is often characterized by a severe headache (commonly described as the "worst headache ever") or as "exploding." Weakness and speech issues are more commonly associated with an ischemic stroke.

Which of the following is accurate regarding a hemorrhagic stroke? 1. It is caused by a large-artery thrombosis. 2. Main presenting symptom is an "exploding headache." 3. One of the main presenting symptoms is numbness or weakness of the face. 4. Functional recovery usually plateaus at 6 months.

2. Main presenting symptom is an "exploding headache." One of hemorrhagic stroke's main presenting symptom is an "exploding headache." In ischemic stroke, functional recovery usually plateaus at 6 months; it may be caused by a large artery thrombosis and may have a presenting symptoms of numbness or weakness of the face.

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with a hemorrhagic stroke. The nurse recognizes that which intervention is most important? 1. Monitoring for seizure activity 2. Maintaining a patent airway 3. Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees 4. Administering a stool softener

2. Maintaining a patent airway Maintaining the airway is the most important nursing intervention. Immediate complications of a hemorrhagic stroke include cerebral hypoxia, decreased cerebral blood flow, and extension of the area of injury. Providing adequate oxygenation of blood to the brain minimizes cerebral hypoxia. Brain function depends on delivery of oxygen to the tissues. Administering supplemental oxygen and maintaining hemoglobin and hematocrit at acceptable levels will assist in maintaining tissue oxygenation. All other interventions are appropriate, but the airway takes priority. The head of the bed should be elevated to 30 degrees, monitoring the client because of the risk for seizures, and stool softeners are recommended to prevent constipation and straining, but these are not the most important interventions.

A nurse is teaching a community class that those experiencing symptoms of ischemic stroke need to enter the medical system early. The primary reason for this is which of the following? 1. A ruptured arteriovenous malformation will cause deficits until it is stopped. 2. Thrombolytic therapy has a time window of only 3 hours. 3. A ruptured intracranial aneurysm must quickly be repaired. 4. Intracranial pressure is increased by a space-occupying bleed.

2. Thrombolytic therapy has a time window of only 3 hours. Currently approved thrombolytic therapy for ischemic strokes has a treatment window of only 3 hours after the onset of symptoms. Urgency is needed on the part of the public for rapid entry into the medical system. The other three choices are related to hemorrhagic strokes.

Which terms refers to blindness in the right or left half of the visual field in both eyes? 1. Scotoma 2. Nystagmus 3. Homonymous hemianopsia 4. Diplopia

3. Homonymous hemianopsia Homonymous hemianopsia occurs with occipital lobe tumors. Scotoma refers to a defect in vision in a specific area in one or both eyes. Diplopia refers to double vision or the awareness of two images of the same object occurring in one or both eyes. Nystagmus refers to rhythmic, involuntary movements or oscillations of the eyes.

Which of the following antiseizure medication has been found to be effective for post-stroke pain? 1. Phenytoin (Dilantin) 2. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) 3. Topiramate (Topamax) 4. Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

4. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) The antiseizure medication lamotrigine (Lamictal) has been found to be effective for post-stroke pain.

An emergency department nurse understands that a 110-lb (50-kg) recent stroke victim will receive at least the minimum dose of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). What minimum dose will the client receive? -50 mg -85 mg -45 mg -90 mg

45 mg The client is weighed to determine the dose of t-PA. Typically, two or more IV sites are established prior to administration of t-PA (one for the t-PA and the other for administration of IV fluids). The dosage for t-PA is 0.9 mg/kg, with a maximum dose of 90 mg. 50 kg X 0.9 mg= 45 mg dose

The nurse is caring for a patient with aphasia. Which of the following strategies will the nurse use to facilitate communication with the patient? -Speaking in complete sentences -Speaking loudly -Avoiding the use of hand gestures -Establishing eye contact

Establishing eye contact Explanation: The following strategies should be used by the nurse to encourage communication with a client with aphasia: face the client and establish eye contact, speak in your usual manner and tone, use short phrases, and pause between phrases to allow the client time to understand what is being said; limit conversation to practical and concrete matters; use gestures, pictures, objects, and writing; and as the client uses and handles an object, say what the object is. It helps to match the words with the object or action. Be consistent in using the same words and gestures each time you give instructions or ask a question, and keep extraneous noises and sounds to a minimum. Too much background noise can distract the client or make it difficult to sort out the message being spoken.

A client reports light-headedness, speech disturbance, and left-sided weakness that have lasted for several hours. In the examination, an abnormal sound is auscultated in an artery leading to the brain. What is the term for the auscultated discovery?

bruit A neurologic examination during an attack reveals neurologic deficits. Auscultation of the artery may reveal a bruit (abnormal sound caused by blood flowing over a rough surface within one or both carotid arteries). The term for the auscultated discovery is "bruit."

A nurse is instructing the spouse of a client who suffered a stroke about the use of eating devices the client will be using. During the teaching, the spouse starts to cry and states, "One minute he is laughing, and the next he's crying; I just don't understand what's wrong with him." Which statement is the best response by the nurse? -"Emotional lability is common after a stroke, and it usually improves with time." -"This behavior is common in clients with stroke. Which does your spouse do more often? Laugh or cry?" -"You seem upset, and it may be hard for you to focus on the teaching, I'll come back later." -"You sound stressed; maybe using some stress management techniques will help."

"Emotional lability is common after a stroke, and it usually improves with time."

A client is prescribed sumatriptan for the treatment of migraine headache. Which client statement would indicate a need for additional teaching from the nurse?

"I use this to prevent migraines." Sumatriptan is a serotonin receptor agonist that stimulates serotonin receptors in the brain and causes vasoconstriction of the cerebral arteries and reduce/eliminate headaches and other symptoms associated with migraines. Sumatriptan is used during an attack and is not indicated for preventative migraine therapy.

Which interventions would be recommended for a client with dysphagia? Select all that apply.

-Assist the client with meals. -Test the gag reflex before offering food or fluids. -Allow ample time to eat. Interventions for dysphagia include placing food on the unaffected side of the mouth, allowing ample time to eat, assisting the client with meals, and testing the client's gag reflex before offering food or fluids.

A community health nurse is conducting a workshop for unlicensed care providers who work in a chain of long-term care facilities. The nurse is teaching the participants about the signs and symptoms of stroke. What signs and symptoms should the nurse identify? Select all that apply. -Visual disturbances -Sudden ear pain -Confusion -Sudden numbness -Epistaxis (nosebleed)

-Confusion -Sudden numbness -Visual disturbances The most common symptoms of stroke include numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion or change in mental status; trouble speaking or understanding speech; visual disturbances; difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination; and sudden, severe headache.

The statements presented here match nursing interventions with nursing diagnoses. Which statements are true for a client with a stroke? Select all that apply.

-Impaired swallowing: Provide a pureed diet. -Disturbed sensory perception: Stand on the client's unaffected side. -Impaired verbal communication: Repeat words and instructions. A pureed diet is often prescribed for a client with impaired swallowing. Other interventions for this client may include a thickened liquid diet, use of the chin tuck technique, and sitting upright. The client may have disturbed sensory perception related to visual disturbances, so standing on the client's unaffected side will allow him or her to see the nurse. The client with impaired verbal communication may benefit from repetition of words or instructions. Other interventions include facing the client, establishing eye contact, using short phrases, using communication boards, decreasing background noise, and allowing the client time between phrases to understand the information. For impaired physical mobility, instruct the client on the use of a walker to improve mobility. The client may experience weakness and the use of the walker will assist with ambulation. For self-care deficit, wide-grip utensils help the client to eat independently, addressing the self-care deficit related to nutrition and self-feeding.

The nurse is caring for a client admitted with a stroke. Imaging studies indicate an embolus partially obstructing the right carotid artery. What type of stroke does the nurse know this client has? 1. Ischemic 2. Hemorrhagic 3. Right-sided 4. Left-sided

1. Ischemic Ischemic strokes occur when a thrombus or embolus obstructs an artery carrying blood to the brain; about 80% of strokes are the ischemic variety. The other options are incorrect.

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? -6.3 mg -7.5 mg -8.3 mg -10 mg

6.3 mg A person who weighs 154 lbs weighs 70 kg. To calculate dosage, multiply 70 × 0.9 mg/kg = 63 mg. The nurse gives 10% (6.3 mg) over 1 minute.

A client tells the nurse that they have transient ischemic attacks. The client reports having undergone a carotid artery surgery. In such a case, what important assessments should be performed by the nurse? -Sexual history -Blood pressure and weight -Motor and sensory responses -Frequent neurologic checks

Frequent neurologic checks If the client undergoes carotid artery surgery, the nurse performs frequent neurologic checks to detect paralysis, confusion, facial asymmetry, or aphasia. Body weight is measured because obesity, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis are related to cerebrovascular disease, and not in the case of carotid artery surgery. Sexual history and motor and sensory responses are not important assessments to be performed for such clients.

From which direction should a nurse approach a client who is blind in the right eye?

From the left side of the client The nurse should approach the client from the left side so that the client can be aware of the nurse's approach. Likewise, personal items should be placed on the client's left side so that he can see them easily.

During assessment of cognitive impairment, post-stroke, the nurse documents that the patient was experiencing memory loss and impaired learning capacity. The nurse knows that brain damage has most likely occurred in which lobe?

Frontal Frontal lobe damage results in impaired learning capacity, memory, and other higher cortical intellectual functions.

A stroke victim is experiencing memory loss and impaired learning capacity. The nurse knows that brain damage has most likely occurred in which lobe?

Frontal If damage has occurred to the frontal lobe, learning capacity, memory, or other higher cortical intellectual functions may be impaired. Such dysfunction may be reflected in a limited attention span, difficulties in comprehension, forgetfulness, and a lack of motivation.

A client undergoes cerebral angiography for evaluation after an intracranial computed tomography scan revealed a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Afterward, the nurse checks frequently for signs and symptoms of complications associated with this procedure. Which findings indicate spasm or occlusion of a cerebral vessel by a clot?

Hemiplegia, seizures, and decreased level of consciousness (LOC) Spasm or occlusion of a cerebral vessel by a clot causes signs and symptoms similar to those of a stroke: hemiplegia, seizures, decreased LOC, aphasia, hemiparesis, and increased focal symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, and profuse sweating suggest a delayed reaction to the contrast medium used in cerebral angiography. Difficulty breathing or swallowing may signal a hematoma in the neck. Tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypotension suggest internal hemorrhage.

The nurse practitioner advises a patient who is at high risk for a stroke to be vigilant in his medication regimen, to maintain a healthy weight, and to adopt a reasonable exercise program. This advice is based on research data that shows the most important risk factor for stroke is:

Hypertension Hypertension is the most modifiable risk factor for either ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Unfortunately, it remains under-recognized and undertreated in most communities.

Which is a contraindication for the administration of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA)? -Systolic blood pressure less than or equal to 185 mm Hg -Intracranial hemorrhage -Ischemic stroke -Age 18 years or older

Intracranial hemorrhage Intracranial hemorrhage, neoplasm, and aneurysm are contraindications for t-PA. Clinical diagnosis of ischemic stroke, age 18 years or older, and a systolic blood pressure less than or equal to 185 mm Hg are eligibility criteria.

A client is admitted with weakness, expressive aphasia, and right hemianopia. The brain MRI reveals an infarct. The nurse understands these symptoms to be suggestive of which of the following findings?

Left-sided cerebrovascular accident (CVA) When the infarct is on the left side of the brain, the symptoms are likely to be on the right, and the speech is more likely to be involved. If the MRI reveals an infarct, TIA is no longer the diagnosis. There is not enough information to determine if the stroke is still evolving or is complete.

A client has experienced an ischemic stroke that has damaged the frontal lobe of his brain. Which of the following deficits does the nurse expect to observe during assessment?

Limited attention span and forgetfulness Explanation: Damage to the frontal lobe may impair learning capacity, memory, or other higher cortical intellectual functions. Such dysfunction may be reflected in a limited attention span, difficulties in comprehension, forgetfulness, and a lack of motivation. Damage to the motor neurons may cause hemiparesis, hemiplegia, and a change in reflexes. Damage to the occipital lobe can result in visual agnosia, whereas damage to the temporal lobe can cause auditory agnosia

A patient who has suffered a stroke begins having complications regarding spasticity in the lower extremity. What ordered medication does the nurse administer to help alleviate this problem? -Pregabalin (Lyrica) -Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) -Heparin -Lioresal (Baclofen)

Lioresal (Baclofen) Spasticity, particularly in the hand, can be a disabling complication after stroke. Botulinum toxin type A injected intramuscularly into wrist and finger muscles has been shown to be effective in reducing this spasticity (although the effect is temporary, typically lasting 2 to 4 months) (Teasell, Foley, Pereira, et al., 2012). Other treatments for spasticity may include stretching, splinting, and oral medications such as baclofen (Lioresal).

A patient is brought to the emergency department with a possible stroke. What initial diagnostic test for a stroke, usually performed in the emergency department, would the nurse prepare the patient for?

Noncontrast computed tomogram The initial diagnostic test for a stroke is usually a noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan. This should be performed within 25 minutes or less from the time the patient presents to the emergency department (ED) to determine if the event is ischemic or hemorrhagic (the category of stroke determines treatment).

The nurse is providing diet-related advice to a male patient following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The patient wants to minimize the volume of food and yet meet all nutritional elements. Which of the following suggestions should the nurse give to the patient about controlling the volume of food intake?

Provide thickened commercial beverages and fortified cooked cereals. Patients with CVA or other cerebrovascular disorders should lose weight and therefore should minimize their volume of food consumption. To ensure this, the nurse may provide thickened commercial beverages, fortified cooked cereals, or scrambled eggs. Patients should avoid eating high-fat foods, and serving foods hot or tepid will not minimize the volume consumed by the patient. Foods such as peanut butter, bread, tart foods, dry or crisp foods, and chewy meats should also be avoided because they cause choking.

The nurse is caring for a patient having a hemorrhagic stroke. What position in the bed will the nurse maintain this patient? -High-Fowler's -Prone -Supine -Semi-Fowler's

Semi-Fowler's The head of the bed is elevated 15 to 30 degrees (semi-Fowler's position) to promote venous drainage and decrease intracranial pressure.

While providing information to a community group, the nurse tells them the primary initial symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke are:

Severe headache and early change in level of consciousness The main presenting symptoms for 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. Severe headache, vomiting, early change in level of consciousness, and seizures are early signs of a hemorrhagic stroke. Footdrop and external hip rotation can occur if a stroke victim is not turned or positioned correctly.

An emergency department nurse is interviewing a client with signs of an ischemic stroke that began 2 hours ago. The client reports that she had a cholecystectomy 6 weeks ago and is taking digoxin, coumadin, and labetelol. This client is not eligible for thrombolytic therapy for which of the following reasons?

She is taking coumadin. To be eligible for thrombolytic therapy, the client cannot be taking coumadin. Initiation of thrombolytic therapy must be within 3 hours in clients with ischemic stroke. The client is not eligible for thrombolytic therapy if she has had surgery within 14 days. Digoxin and labetelol do not prohibit thrombolytic therapy.

A patient diagnosed with an ischemic stroke should be treated within the first 3 hours of symptom onset with which of the following?

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) In 1996, the FDA approved the use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke within the first 3 hours of symptom onset.

A client is hospitalized when presenting to the emergency department with right-sided weakness. Within 6 hours of being admitted, the neurologic deficits had resolved and the client was back to his presymptomatic state. The nurse caring for the client knows that the probable cause of the neurologic deficit was what?

Transient ischemic attack A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a sudden, brief attack of neurologic impairment caused by a temporary interruption in cerebral blood flow. Symptoms may disappear within 1 hour; some continue for as long as 1 day. When the symptoms terminate, the client resumes his or her presymptomatic state. The symptoms do not describe a left- or right-sided stroke or a cerebral aneurysm.

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? -Weakness on one side of the body and difficulty with speech -Footdrop and external hip rotation -Severe headache and early change in level of consciousness -Vomiting and seizures

Weakness on one side of the body and difficulty with speech 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. Severe headache, vomiting, early change in level of consciousness, and seizures are early signs of a hemorrhagic stroke. Footdrop and external hip rotation are things that can occur if a stroke victim is not turned or positioned correctly.

aneurysm

a weakening or bulge in an arterial wall

penumbra region

area of low cerebral blood flow

Hemianopsia

blindness of half of the field of vision in one or both eyes

dysarthria

defects of articulation due to neurologic causes

dysphagia

difficulty swallowing

A client's spouse relates how the client reported a severe headache and then was unable to talk or move their right arm and leg. After diagnostics are completed and the client is admitted to the hospital, when would basic rehabilitation begin? -in 2 to 3 days -immediately -after 1 week -upon transfer to a rehabilitation unit

immediately Beginning basic rehabilitation during the acute phase is an important nursing function. Measures such as position changes and prevention of skin breakdown and contractures are essential aspects of care during the early phase of rehabilitation. The nursing goal is to prevent complications that may interfere with the client's potential to recover function.

aphasia

inability to express oneself or to understand language

agnosia

loss of ability to recognize objects through a particular sensory system; may be visual, auditory, or tactile

hemiplegia

paralysis of one side of the body, or part of it, due to an injury in the motor area of the brain

A nurse in a rehabilitation facility is coordinating the discharge of a client who is tetraplegic. The client, who is married and has two children in high school, is being discharged to home and will require much assistance. Who would the discharge planner recognize as being the most important member of this client's care team?

spouse The client's spouse and family would need to be involved in the everyday care of the client; without their support, it is unlikely that the client would be able to manage at home.

infarction

tissue necrosis in an area deprived of blood supply

hemiparesis

weakness of one side of the body, or part of it, due to an injury in the motor area of the brain

A client with a history of atrial fibrillation has experienced a TIA. In an effort to reduce the risk of cerebrovascular accident (CVA), the nurse anticipates the priority medical treatment to include which of the following? 1. Anticoagulant therapy 2. Monthly prothrombin levels 3. Cholesterol-lowering drugs 4. Carotid endarterectomy

1. Anticoagulant therapy Anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy can prevent clot formation associated with cardiac dysrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Cholesterol-lowering drugs can be ordered if indicated to manage atherosclerosis. Prothrombin and international normalized ratio (INR) levels may be ordered to monitor therapeutic effects of anticoagulant therapy. Carotid endarterectomy would be anticipated only when the carotids have narrowing from plaque.

A client is experiencing dysphagia following a stroke. Which measure may be taken by the nurse to ensure that the client's diet allows for easy swallowing? 1. Help the client sit upright when eating and feed slowly. 2. Instruct the client to lie on the bed when eating. 3. Allow optimum physical activity before meals to expedite digestion. 4. Offer liquids frequently and in large quantities.

1. Help the client sit upright when eating and feed slowly. Having the client sit upright, preferably out of bed in a chair, and instructing him or her to tuck the chin toward the chest when swallowing will help prevent aspiration. The client may be started on a thick liquid or puréed diet, because these foods are easier to swallow than thin liquids. The diet may be advanced as the client becomes more proficient at swallowing. If the client cannot resume oral intake, a gastrointestinal feeding tube is placed for ongoing tube feedings and medication administration. The client should be allowed to rest before meals because fatigue may interfere with coordination and following instructions.

An emergency department nurse is awaiting the arrival of a client with signs of an ischemic stroke that began 1 hour ago, as reported by emergency medical personnel. The treatment window for thrombolytic therapy is which of the following? 1. Two hours 2. Three hours 3. One hour 4. Six hours

2. Three hours Rapid diagnosis of stroke and initiation of thrombolytic therapy (within 3 hours) in clients with ischemic stroke leads to a decrease in the size of the stroke and an overall improvement in functional outcome after 3 months.

A client reports light-headedness, speech disturbance, and left-sided weakness that have lasted for several hours. In the examination, an abnormal sound is auscultated in an artery leading to the brain. What is the term for the auscultated discovery? 1. TIA 2. bruit 3. atherosclerotic plaque 4. diplopia

2. bruit A neurologic examination during an attack reveals neurologic deficits. Auscultation of the artery may reveal a bruit (abnormal sound caused by blood flowing over a rough surface within one or both carotid arteries). The term for the auscultated discovery is "bruit."

A client is receiving an IV infusion of mannitol (Osmitrol) after undergoing intracranial surgery to remove a brain tumor. To determine whether this drug is producing its therapeutic effect, the nurse should consider which finding most significant? 1. Decreased level of consciousness (LOC) 2. Elevated blood pressure 3. Increased urine output 4. Decreased heart rate

3. Increased urine output The therapeutic effect of mannitol is diuresis, which is confirmed by an increased urine output. A decreased LOC and elevated blood pressure may indicate lack of therapeutic effectiveness. A decreased heart rate doesn't indicate that mannitol is effective.

What clinical manifestations does the nurse recognize when a patient has had a right hemispheric stroke? 1. Slow, cautious behavior 2. Aphasia 3. Altered intellectual ability 4. Left visual field deficit

4. Left visual field deficit A left visual field deficit is a common clinical manifestation of a right hemispheric stroke. Aphasia, slow, cautious behavior, and altered intellectual ability are all clinical manifestations of a left hemispheric stroke.

A patient is brought to the emergency department with a possible stroke. What initial diagnostic test for a stroke, usually performed in the emergency department, would the nurse prepare the patient for? 1. Carotid ultrasound study 2. Transcranial Doppler flow study 3. 12-lead electrocardiogram 4. Noncontrast computed tomogram

4. Noncontrast computed tomogram The initial diagnostic test for a stroke is usually a noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan. This should be performed within 25 minutes or less from the time the patient presents to the emergency department (ED) to determine if the event is ischemic or hemorrhagic (the category of stroke determines treatment).

A client is experiencing severe pain related to increased ICP. Which analgesic would be ordered for this client to help alleviate pain? 1. hydrocodone 2. morphine 3. fentanyl 4. codeine

4. codeine Avoid administering opioid analgesics, except codeine. Opioids interfere with accurate assessment of neurologic function because they constrict the pupils and depress LOC.

Which of the following is the most common side effect of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)? -Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) -Hypertension -Headache -Bleeding

Bleeding Bleeding is the most common side effect of tPA. The patient is closely monitored for bleeding (at IV insertion sites, gums, urine/stools, and intracranially by assessing changes in level of consciousness). Headache, increased ICP, and hypertension are not side effects of tPA.

How often should neurologic assessments and vital signs be taken initially for the patient receiving tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)?

Every 15 minutes

A client diagnosed with migraine headaches asks the nurse what he can do to help control the headaches and minimize the number of attacks he is having. What instructions should the nurse give this client? -When an attack occurs stay in a brightly lit area. -Write down any adverse drug effects. -Identify and avoid factors that precipitate or intensify an attack. -Keep a record of activities following an attack.

Identify and avoid factors that precipitate or intensify an attack. The nurse instructs the client to follow the indications and dosage regimen for medication, notify the physician of any adverse drug effects, and identify and avoid factors that precipitate or intensify an attack. Keeping a food diary may help identify foods that trigger attacks. The client can keep a record of the attacks, including activities before the attack, and environmental or emotional circumstances that appear to bring on the attack. The client should lie down in a darkened room, and avoid noise and movement when an attack occurs, if that is possible.

A patient presents to the emergency room with complaints of having an "exploding headache" for the last 2 hours. The patient is immediately seen by a triage nurse who suspects the patient is experiencing a stroke. Which of the following is a possible cause based on the characteristic symptom? 1. Cardiogenic emboli 2. Large artery thrombosis 3. Cerebral aneurysm 4. Small artery thrombosis

3. Cerebral aneurysm A cerebral aneurysm is a type of hemorrhagic stroke that is characterized by an exploding headache.

A nurse is assisting with a community screening for people at high risk for stroke. To which of the following clients would the nurse pay most attention? 1. A 60-year-old African-American man 2. A 28-year-old pregnant African-American woman 3. A 62-year-old Caucasian woman 4. A 40-year-old Caucasian woman

1. A 60-year-old African-American man The 60-year-old African-American man has three risk factors: gender, age, and race. African Americans have almost twice the incidence of first stroke compared with Caucasians.

The nurse is taking care of a client with a headache. In addition to administering medications, the nurse takes which measure to assist the client in reducing the pain associated with the headache? 1. Apply warm or cool cloths to the forehead or back of the neck. 2. Maintain hydration by drinking eight glasses of fluid a day. 3. Use pressure-relieving pads or a similar type of mattress. 4. Perform the Heimlich maneuver.

1. Apply warm or cool cloths to the forehead or back of the neck. Warmth promotes vasodilation; cool stimuli reduce blood flow.

A client has been diagnosed as having global aphasia. The nurse recognizes that the client will be unable to perform which action? 1. Form words that are understandable or comprehend spoken words 2. Comprehend spoken words 3. Speak at all 4. Form words that are understandable

1. Form words that are understandable or comprehend spoken words Global aphasia is a combination of expressive and receptive aphasia and presents a tremendous challenge to the nurse to effectively communicate with the client. In receptive and expressive aphasia, the client is unable to form words that are understandable. The client who is unable to speak at all is referred to as mute.

The nurse is providing diet-related advice to a male patient following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The patient wants to minimize the volume of food and yet meet all nutritional elements. Which of the following suggestions should the nurse give to the patient about controlling the volume of food intake? 1. Provide a high-fat diet. 2. Provide thickened commercial beverages and fortified cooked cereals. 3. Include dry or crisp foods and chewy meats. 4. Always serve hot or tepid foods.

2. Provide thickened commercial beverages and fortified cooked cereals. Patients with CVA or other cerebrovascular disorders should lose weight and therefore should minimize their volume of food consumption. To ensure this, the nurse may provide thickened commercial beverages, fortified cooked cereals, or scrambled eggs. Patients should avoid eating high-fat foods, and serving foods hot or tepid will not minimize the volume consumed by the patient. Foods such as peanut butter, bread, tart foods, dry or crisp foods, and chewy meats should also be avoided because they cause choking.

During assessment of cognitive impairment, post-stroke, the nurse documents that the patient was experiencing memory loss and impaired learning capacity. The nurse knows that brain damage has most likely occurred in which lobe? 1. Occipital 2. Parietal 3. Frontal 4. Temporal

3. Frontal Frontal lobe damage results in impaired learning capacity, memory, and other higher cortical intellectual functions.

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? 1. seasonal changes 2. specific food chemicals 3. medications 4. reproductive hormone fluctuations

3. medications 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.

A nurse is completing discharge teaching for the client who has left-sided hemiparesis following a stroke. When investigating the client's home environment, the nurse should focus on which nursing diagnosis? -Ineffective coping -Noncompliance -Risk for injury -Diarrhea

Risk for injury Because of decreased physical mobility, a client with recent left-sided hemiparesis is at risk for falls in the home setting. His ability to cope with the stroke is important, but investigating the home environment doesn't provide information about this nursing diagnosis. Diarrhea and Noncompliance aren't related to the client's home environment.

A client is admitted with weakness, expressive aphasia, and right hemianopia. The brain MRI reveals an infarct. The nurse understands these symptoms to be suggestive of which of the following findings? 1. Completed Stroke 2. Right-sided cerebrovascular accident (CVA) 3. Left-sided cerebrovascular accident (CVA) 4. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

3. Left-sided cerebrovascular accident (CVA) When the infarct is on the left side of the brain, the symptoms are likely to be on the right, and the speech is more likely to be involved. If the MRI reveals an infarct, TIA is no longer the diagnosis. There is not enough information to determine if the stroke is still evolving or is complete.

A nurse is teaching a community class that those experiencing symptoms of ischemic stroke need to enter the medical system early. The primary reason for this is which of the following? 1. Intracranial pressure is increased by a space-occupying bleed. 2. A ruptured intracranial aneurysm must quickly be repaired. 3. Thrombolytic therapy has a time window of only 3 hours. 4. A ruptured arteriovenous malformation will cause deficits until it is stopped.

3. Thrombolytic therapy has a time window of only 3 hours. Currently approved thrombolytic therapy for ischemic strokes has a treatment window of only 3 hours after the onset of symptoms. Urgency is needed on the part of the public for rapid entry into the medical system. The other three choices are related to hemorrhagic strokes.

Which is the initial diagnostic test for a stroke?

Noncontrast computed tomography The initial diagnostic test for a stroke is nonconstrast computed tomography performed emergently to determine whether the event is ischemic or hemorrhagic. Further diagnostics include a carotid Doppler, electrocardiogram, and transcranial Doppler.

expressive aphasia

inability to express oneself; often associated with damage to the left frontal lobe area

Apraxia

inability to perform previously learned purposeful motor acts on a voluntary basis

receptive aphasia

inability to understand what someone else is saying; often associated with damage to the temporal lobe area

A physician orders several drugs for a client with hemorrhagic stroke. Which drug order should the nurse question? 1. Phenytoin (Dilantin) 2. Methyldopa (Aldomet) 3. Heparin sodium 4. Dexamethasone (Decadron)

3. Heparin sodium Administering heparin, an anticoagulant, could increase the bleeding associated with hemorrhagic stroke. Therefore, the nurse should question this order to prevent additional hemorrhage in the brain. In a client with hemorrhagic stroke, the physician may use dexamethasone to decrease cerebral edema and pressure; methyldopa, to reduce blood pressure; and phenytoin, to prevent seizures.

How often should neurologic assessments and vital signs be taken initially for the patient receiving tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)? 1. Every 30 minutes 2. Every hour 3. Every 45 minutes 4. Every 15 minutes

4. Every 15 minutes Neurological assessment and vital signs (except temperature) should be taken every 15 minutes initially while the patient is receiving tPA infusion.