Medsurg NEURO
A client with a stroke is being evaluated for fibrinolytic therapy. What information from the client or family is most important for the nurse to obtain? a. Loss of bladder control b. Other medical conditions c. Progression of symptoms d. Time of symptom onset
ANS: D The time limit for initiating fibrinolytic therapy for a stroke is 3 to 4.5 hours, so the exact time of symptom onset is the most important information for this client. The other information is not as critical.
The spouse of the client with Alzheimer's disease is listening to the hospice nurse explaining the client's drug regimen. Which statement by the spouse indicates an understanding of the nurse's instruction? A. "Donepezil (Aricept) will treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease." B. "Memantine (Namenda) is indicated for treatment of early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. C. "Rivastigmine (Exelon) is used to treat depression." D. "Sertraline (Zoloft) will treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease."
A. "Donepezil (Aricept) will treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease." Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil) are approved for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Memantine (Namenda) is indicated for advanced Alzheimer's disease. Rivastigmine (Exelon) is a cholinesterase inhibitor that is used to treat Alzheimer's symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are antidepressants and may be used in Alzheimer's clients who develop depression. Some clients with Alzheimer's disease experience depression and may be treated with antidepressants such as sertraline.
A client is being discharged to home with progressing stage I Alzheimer's disease. The family expresses concern to the nurse about caring for their parent. What is the priority for best continuity of care? A. Assigning a case manager B. Ensuring that all family questions are answered before discharge C. Providing a safe environment D. Referring the family to the Alzheimer's Association
A. Assigning a case manager Whenever possible, the client and family should be assigned a case manager who can assess their needs for health care resources and facilitate appropriate placement throughout the continuum of care. Ensuring all questions are answered and providing a safe environment are necessary for family support, but are not relevant for continuity of care. Referring the family to the Alzheimer's Association is necessary for appropriate resource referral, but is not relevant for continuity of care.
A client with early-stage Alzheimer's disease is admitted to the surgical unit for a biopsy. Which client problem is the priority? A. Potential for injury related to chronic confusion and physical deficits B. Risk for reduced mobility related to progression of disability C. Potential for skin breakdown related to immobility and/or impaired nutritional status D. Lack of social contact related to personality and behavior changes
A. Potential for injury related to chronic confusion and physical deficits The priority for interdisciplinary care is safety. Chronic confusion and physical deficits place the client with Alzheimer's disease at high risk for injury. The rest of the problems are usually the result of long-term care and not a priority for a short hospital stay.
A nurse is caring for four clients in the neurologic intensive care unit. After receiving the hand-off report, which client should the nurse see first? a. Client with a Glasgow Coma Scale score that was 10 and is now is 8 b. Client with a Glasgow Coma Scale score that was 9 and is now is 12 c. Client with a moderate brain injury who is amnesic for the event d. Client who is requesting pain medication for a headache
ANS: A A 2-point decrease in the Glasgow Coma Scale score is clinically significant and the nurse needs to see this client first. An improvement in the score is a good sign. Amnesia is an expected finding with brain injuries, so this client is lower priority. The client requesting pain medication should be seen after the one with the declining Glasgow Coma Scale score.
A client had an embolic stroke and is having an echocardiogram. When the client asks why the provider ordered "a test on my heart," how should the nurse respond? a. "Most of these types of blood clots come from the heart." b. "Some of the blood clots may have gone to your heart too." c. "We need to see if your heart is strong enough for therapy." d. "Your heart may have been damaged in the stroke too."
ANS: A An embolic stroke is caused when blood clots travel from one area of the body to the brain. The most common source of the clots is the heart. The other statements are inaccurate.
After a stroke, a client has ataxia. What intervention is most appropriate to include on the client's plan of care? a. Ambulate only with a gait belt. b. Encourage double swallowing. c. Monitor lung sounds after eating. d. Perform post-void residuals.
ANS: A Ataxia is a gait disturbance. For the client's safety, he or she should have assistance and use a gait belt when ambulating. Ataxia is not related to swallowing, aspiration, or voiding.
A client has a brain abscess and is receiving phenytoin (Dilantin). The spouse questions the use of the drug, saying the client does not have a seizure disorder. What response by the nurse is best? a. "Increased pressure from the abscess can cause seizures." b. "Preventing febrile seizures with an abscess is important." c. "Seizures always occur in clients with brain abscesses." d. "This drug is used to sedate the client with an abscess."
ANS: A Brain abscesses can lead to seizures as a complication. The nurse should explain this to the spouse. Phenytoin is not used to prevent febrile seizures. Seizures are possible but do not always occur in clients with brain abscesses. This drug is not used for sedation.
A nurse delegates care for a client with Parkinson disease to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which statement should the nurse include when delegating this client's care? a. "Allow the client to be as independent as possible with activities." b. "Assist the client with frequent and meticulous oral care." c. "Assess the client's ability to eat and swallow before each meal." d. "Schedule appointments early in the morning to ensure rest in the afternoon."
ANS: A Clients with Parkinson disease do not move as quickly and can have functional problems. The client should be encouraged to be as independent as possible and provided time to perform activities without rushing. Although oral care is important for all clients, instructing the UAP to provide frequent and meticulous oral is not a priority for this client. This statement would be a priority if the client was immune-compromised or NPO. The nurse should assess the client's ability to eat and swallow; this should not be delegated. Appointments and activities should not be scheduled early in the morning because this may cause the client to be rushed and discourage the client from wanting to participate in activities of daily living.
A client with a stroke has damage to Broca's area. What intervention to promote communication is best for this client? a. Assess whether or not the client can write. b. Communicate using "yes-or-no" questions. c. Reinforce speech therapy exercises. d. Remind the client not to use neologisms.
ANS: A Damage to Broca's area often leads to expressive aphasia, wherein the client can understand what is said but cannot express thoughts verbally. In some instances the client can write. The nurse should assess to see if that ability is intact. "Yes-or-no" questions are not good for this type of client because he or she will often answer automatically but incorrectly. Reinforcing speech therapy exercises is good for all clients with communication difficulties. Neologisms are made-up "words" often used by clients with sensory aphasia.
A nurse is providing community screening for risk factors associated with stroke. Which client would the nurse identify as being at highest risk for a stroke? a. A 27-year-old heavy cocaine user b. A 30-year-old who drinks a beer a day c. A 40-year-old who uses seasonal antihistamines d. A 65-year-old who is active and on no medications
ANS: A Heavy drug use, particularly cocaine, is a risk factor for stroke. Heavy alcohol use is also a risk factor, but one beer a day is not considered heavy drinking. Antihistamines may contain phenylpropanolamine, which also increases the risk for stroke, but this client uses them seasonally and there is no information that they are abused or used heavily. The 65-year-old has only age as a risk factor.
A nurse assesses a client after administering prescribed levetiracetam (Keppra). Which laboratory tests should the nurse monitor for potential adverse effects of this medication? a. Serum electrolyte levels b. Kidney function tests c. Complete blood cell count d. Antinuclear antibodies
ANS: B Adverse effects of levetiracetam include coordination problems and renal toxicity. The other laboratory tests are not affected by levetiracetam.
A client in the emergency department is having a stroke and needs a carotid artery angioplasty with stenting. The client's mental status is deteriorating. What action by the nurse is most appropriate? a. Attempt to find the family to sign a consent. b. Inform the provider that the procedure cannot occur. c. Nothing; no consent is needed in an emergency. d. Sign the consent form for the client.
ANS: A The nurse should attempt to find the family to give consent. If no family is present or can be found, under the principle of emergency consent, a life-saving procedure can be performed without formal consent. The nurse should not just sign the consent form.
A client has an intraventricular catheter. What action by the nurse takes priority? a. Document intracranial pressure readings. b. Perform hand hygiene before client care. c. Measure intracranial pressure per hospital policy. d. Teach the client and family about the device.
ANS: B All of the actions are appropriate for this client. However, performing hand hygiene takes priority because it prevents infection, which is a possibly devastating complication.
A nurse assesses a client with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stroke Scale and determines the client's score to be 36. How should the nurse plan care for this client? a. The client will need near-total care. b. The client will need cuing only. c. The client will need safety precautions. d. The client will be discharged home.
ANS: A This client has severe neurologic deficits and will need near-total care. Safety precautions are important but do not give a full picture of the client's dependence. The client will need more than cuing to complete tasks. A home discharge may be possible, but this does not help the nurse plan care for a very dependent client.
A nurse witnesses a client with late-stage Alzheimer's disease eat breakfast. Afterward the client states, "I am hungry and want breakfast." How should the nurse respond? a. "I see you are still hungry. I will get you some toast." b. "You ate your breakfast 30 minutes ago." c. "It appears you are confused this morning." d. "Your family will be here soon. Let's get you dressed."
ANS: A Use of validation therapy with clients who have Alzheimer's disease involves acknowledgment of the client's feelings and concerns. This technique has proved more effective in later stages of the disease, when using reality orientation only increases agitation. Telling the client that he or she already ate breakfast may agitate the client. The other statements do not validate the client's concerns.
Which are risk factors for stroke? SATA A. High blood pressure B. Previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) C. Smoking D. Use of oral contraceptives E. Female gender
ANS: A B C D Common modifiable risk factors for developing a stroke include smoking and the use of oral contraceptives. Other risk factors include high blood pressure and history of a previous TIA.Gender is not a known risk factor for stroke; however, the female client is at risk for delayed recognition of early stroke symptoms.
A nurse is working with many stroke clients. Which clients would the nurse consider referring to a mental health provider on discharge? (Select all that apply.) a. Client who exhibits extreme emotional lability b. Client with an initial National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stroke Scale score of 38 c. Client with mild forgetfulness and a slight limp d. Client who has a past hospitalization for a suicide attempt e. Client who is unable to walk or eat 3 weeks post-stroke
ANS: A, B, D, E Clients most at risk for post-stroke depression are those with a previous history of depression, severe stroke (NIH Stroke Scale score of 38 is severe), and post-stroke physical or cognitive impairment. The client with mild forgetfulness and a slight limp would be a low priority for this referral.
A nursing student studying the neurologic system learns which information? (Select all that apply.) a. An aneurysm is a ballooning in a weakened part of an arterial wall. b. An arteriovenous malformation is the usual cause of strokes. c. Intracerebral hemorrhage is bleeding directly into the brain. d. Reduced perfusion from vasospasm often makes stroke worse. e. Subarachnoid hemorrhage is caused by high blood pressure.
ANS: A, C, D An aneurysm is a ballooning of the weakened part of an arterial wall. Intracerebral hemorrhage is bleeding directly into the brain. Vasospasm often makes the damage from the initial stroke worse because it causes decreased perfusion. An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is unusual. Subarachnoid hemorrhage is usually caused by a ruptured aneurysm or AVM.
The nurse working in the emergency department assesses a client who has symptoms of stroke. For what modifiable risk factors should the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.) a. Alcohol intake b. Diabetes c. High-fat diet d. Obesity e. Smoking
ANS: A, C, D, E Alcohol intake, a high-fat diet, obesity, and smoking are all modifiable risk factors for stroke. Diabetes is not modifiable but is a risk factor that can be controlled with medical intervention.
A nurse has applied to work at a hospital that has National Stroke Center designation. The nurse realizes the hospital adheres to eight Core Measures for ischemic stroke care. What do these Core Measures include? (Select all that apply.) a. Discharging the client on a statin medication b. Providing the client with comprehensive therapies c. Meeting goals for nutrition within 1 week d. Providing and charting stroke education e. Preventing venous thromboembolism
ANS: A, D, E Core Measures established by The Joint Commission include discharging stroke clients on statins, providing and recording stroke education, and taking measures to prevent venous thromboembolism. The client must be assessed for therapies but may go elsewhere for them. Nutrition goals are not part of the Core Measures.
A nurse cares for a client with advanced Alzheimer's disease. The client's caregiver states, "She is always wandering off. What can I do to manage this restless behavior?" How should the nurse respond? a. "This is a sign of fatigue. The client would benefit from a daily nap." b. "Engage the client in scheduled activities throughout the day." c. "It sounds like this is difficult for you. I will consult the social worker." d. "The provider can prescribe a mild sedative for restlessness."
ANS: B Several strategies may be used to cope with restlessness and wandering. One strategy is to engage the client in structured activities. Another is to take the client for frequent walks. Daily naps and a mild sedative will not be as effective in the management of restless behavior. Consulting the social worker does not address the caregiver's concern.
A student nurse is preparing morning medications for a client who had a stroke. The student plans to hold the docusate sodium (Colace) because the client had a large stool earlier. What action by the supervising nurse is best? a. Have the student ask the client if it is desired or not. b. Inform the student that the docusate should be given. c. Tell the student to document the rationale. d. Tell the student to give it unless the client refuses.
ANS: B Stool softeners should be given to clients with neurologic disorders in order to prevent an elevation in intracranial pressure that accompanies the Valsalva maneuver when constipated. The supervising nurse should instruct the student to administer the docusate. The other options are not appropriate. The medication could be held for diarrhea.
A client's mean arterial pressure is 60 mm Hg and intracranial pressure is 20 mm Hg. Based on the client's cerebral perfusion pressure, what should the nurse anticipate for this client? a. Impending brain herniation b. Poor prognosis and cognitive function c. Probable complete recovery d. Unable to tell from this information
ANS: B The cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is the intracranial pressure subtracted from the mean arterial pressure: in this case, 60 - 20 = 40. For optimal outcomes, CPP should be at least 70 mm Hg. This client has very low CPP, which will probably lead to a poorer prognosis with significant cognitive dysfunction should the client survive. This data does not indicate impending brain herniation or complete recovery.
After a craniotomy, the nurse assesses the client and finds dry, sticky mucous membranes and restlessness. The client has IV fluids running at 75 mL/hr. What action by the nurse is best? a. Assess the clients magnesium level. b. Assess the clients sodium level. c. Increase the rate of the IV infusion. d. Provide oral care every hour.
ANS: B This client has manifestations of hypernatremia, which is a possible complication after craniotomy. The nurse should assess the clients serum sodium level. *remember sticky mucous membranes
A client is in the emergency department reporting a brief episode during which he was dizzy, unable to speak, and felt like his legs were very heavy. Currently the client's neurologic examination is normal. About what drug should the nurse plan to teach the client? a. Alteplase (Activase) b. Clopidogrel (Plavix) c. Heparin sodium d. Mannitol (Osmitrol)
ANS: B This client's manifestations are consistent with a transient ischemic attack, and the client would be prescribed aspirin or clopidogrel on discharge. Alteplase is used for ischemic stroke. Heparin and mannitol are not used for this condition.
A nurse is caring for a client after a stroke. What actions may the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply.) a. Assess neurologic status with the Glasgow Coma Scale. b. Check and document oxygen saturation every 1 to 2 hours. c. Cluster client care to allow periods of uninterrupted rest. d. Elevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees to prevent aspiration. e. Position the client supine with the head in a neutral midline position.
ANS: B, E The UAP can take and document vital signs, including oxygen saturation, and keep the client's head in a neutral, midline position with correct direction from the nurse. The nurse assesses the Glasgow Coma Scale score. The nursing staff should not cluster care because this can cause an increase in the intracranial pressure. The head of the bed should be minimally elevated, up to 30 degrees.
A nurse assesses a client with Alzheimer's disease who is recently admitted to the hospital. Which psychosocial assessment should the nurse complete? a. Assess religious and spiritual needs while in the hospital. b. Identify the client's ability to perform self-care activities. c. Evaluate the client's reaction to a change of environment. d. Ask the client about relationships with family members.
ANS: C As Alzheimer's disease progresses, the client experiences changes in emotional and behavioral affect. The nurse should be alert to the client's reaction to a change in environment, such as being hospitalized, because the client may exhibit an exaggerated response, such as aggression, to the event. The other assessments should be completed but are not as important as assessing the client's reaction to environmental change.
A nurse delegates care for a client with early-stage Alzheimer's disease to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which statement should the nurse include when delegating this client's care? a. "If she is confused, play along and pretend that everything is okay." b. "Remove the clock from her room so that she doesn't get confused." c. "Reorient the client to the day, time, and environment with each contact." d. "Use validation therapy to recognize and acknowledge the client's concerns."
ANS: C Clients who have early-stage Alzheimer's disease should be reoriented frequently to person, place, and time. The UAP should reorient the client and not encourage the client's delusions. The room should have a clock and white board with the current date written on it. Validation therapy is used with late-stage Alzheimer's disease.
A nurse prepares to discharge a client with Alzheimer's disease. Which statement should the nurse include in the discharge teaching for this client's caregiver? a. "Allow the client to rest most of the day." b. "Place a padded throw rug at the bedside." c. "Install deadbolt locks on all outside doors." d. "Provide a high-calorie and high-protein diet."
ANS: C Clients with Alzheimer's disease have a tendency to wander, especially at night. If possible, alarms should be installed on all outside doors to alert family members if the client leaves. At a minimum, all outside doors should have deadbolt locks installed to prevent the client from going outdoors unsupervised. The client should be allowed to exercise within his or her limits. Throw rugs are a slip and fall hazard and should be removed. The client should eat a well-balanced diet. There is no need for a high-calorie or high-protein diet.
A nurse is teaching the daughter of a client who has Alzheimer's disease. The daughter asks, "Will the medication my mother is taking improve her dementia?" How should the nurse respond? a. "It will allow your mother to live independently for several more years." b. "It is used to halt the advancement of Alzheimer's disease but will not cure it." c. "It will not improve her dementia but can help control emotional responses." d. "It is used to improve short-term memory but will not improve problem solving."
ANS: C Drug therapy is not effective for treating dementia or halting the advancement of Alzheimer's disease. However, certain drugs may help suppress emotional disturbances and psychiatric manifestations. Medication therapy may not allow the client to safely live independently.
A client experiences impaired swallowing after a stroke and has worked with speech-language pathology on eating. What nursing assessment best indicates that a priority goal for this problem has been met? a. Chooses preferred items from the menu b. Eats 75% to 100% of all meals and snacks c. Has clear lung sounds on auscultation d. Gains 2 pounds after 1 week
ANS: C Impaired swallowing can lead to aspiration, so the priority goal for this problem is no aspiration. Clear lung sounds is the best indicator that aspiration has not occurred. Choosing menu items is not related to this problem. Eating meals does not indicate the client is not still aspirating. A weight gain indicates improved nutrition but still does not show a lack of aspiration.
A nurse is caring for four clients in the neurologic/neurosurgical intensive care unit. Which client should the nurse assess first? a. Client who has been diagnosed with meningitis with a fever of 101° F (38.3° C) b. Client who had a transient ischemic attack and is waiting for teaching on clopidogrel (Plavix) c. Client receiving tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) who has a change in respiratory pattern and rate d. Client who is waiting for subarachnoid bolt insertion with the consent form already signed
ANS: C The client receiving t-PA has a change in neurologic status while receiving this fibrinolytic therapy. The nurse assesses this client first as he or she may have an intracerebral bleed. The client with meningitis has expected manifestations. The client waiting for discharge teaching is a lower priority. The client waiting for surgery can be assessed quickly after the nurse sees the client who is receiving t-PA, or the nurse could delegate checking on this client to another nurse.
The nurse assesses a client's Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and determines it to be 12 (a 4 in each category). What care should the nurse anticipate for this client? a. Can ambulate independently b. May have trouble swallowing c. Needs frequent re-orientation d. Will need near-total care
ANS: C This client will most likely be confused and need frequent re-orientation. The client may not be able to ambulate at all but should do so independently, not because of mental status. Swallowing is not assessed with the GCS. The client will not need near-total care.
After teaching the wife of a client who has Parkinson disease, the nurse assesses the wife's understanding. Which statement by the client's wife indicates she correctly understands changes associated with this disease? a. "His masklike face makes it difficult to communicate, so I will use a white board." b. "He should not socialize outside of the house due to uncontrollable drooling." c. "This disease is associated with anxiety causing increased perspiration." d. "He may have trouble chewing, so I will offer bite-sized portions."
ANS: D Because chewing and swallowing can be problematic, small frequent meals and a supplement are better for meeting the client's nutritional needs. A masklike face and drooling are common in clients with Parkinson disease. The client should be encouraged to continue to socialize and communicate as normally as possible. The wife should understand that the client's masklike face can be misinterpreted and additional time may be needed for the client to communicate with her or others. Excessive perspiration is also common in clients with Parkinson disease and is associated with the autonomic nervous system's response.
A client in the intensive care unit is scheduled for a lumbar puncture (LP) today. On assessment, the nurse finds the client breathing irregularly with one pupil fixed and dilated. What action by the nurse is best? a. Ensure that informed consent is on the chart. b. Document these findings in the client's record. c. Give the prescribed preprocedure sedation. d. Notify the provider of the findings immediately.
ANS: D This client is exhibiting signs of increased intracranial pressure. The nurse should notify the provider immediately because performing the LP now could lead to herniation. Informed consent is needed for an LP, but this is not the priority. Documentation should be thorough, but again this is not the priority. The preprocedure sedation (or other preprocedure medications) should not be given as the LP will most likely be canceled.
A nurse receives a report on a client who had a left-sided stroke and has homonymous hemianopsia. What action by the nurse is most appropriate for this client? a. Assess for bladder retention and/or incontinence. b. Listen to the clients lungs after eating or drinking. c. Prop the clients right side up when sitting in a chair. d. Rotate the clients meal tray when the client stops eating.
ANS: D This condition is blindness on the same side of both eyes. The client must turn his or her head to see the entire visual field. The client may not see all the food on the tray, so the nurse rotates it so uneaten food is now within the visual field.
The nurse is caring for a client with advanced Alzheimer's disease. Which communication technique is best to use with this client? A. Providing the client with several options to choose from B. Assuming that the client is not totally confused C. Waiting for the client to express a need D. Writing down instructions for the client
B. Assuming that the client is not totally confused Never assume that the client with Alzheimer's is totally confused and cannot understand what is being communicated. Choices should be limited; too many choices cause frustration and increased confusion in the client. Rather than waiting for the client to express a need, try to anticipate the client's needs and interpret nonverbal communication. Rather than writing down instructions, provide the client instructions with pictures, and put them in a highly visible place.
A client has been admitted with a diagnosis of stroke (brain attack). The nurse suspects that the client has had a right hemisphere stroke because the client exhibits which symptoms? A. Aphasia and cautiousness B. Impulsiveness and smiling C. Inability to discriminate words D. Quick to anger and frustration
B. Impulsiveness and smiling Impulsiveness and smiling are signs and symptoms indicative of a right hemisphere stroke.Aphasia, cautiousness, the inability to discriminate words, quick to anger, and frustration are signs and symptoms indicative of a left hemisphere stroke.
The nursing instructor asks the student nurse caring for a client with Alzheimer's disease who has been prescribed donepezil (Aricept) how the drug works. Which response by the nursing student best explains the action of donepezil? A. "The reuptake of serotonin is blocked." B. "Donepezil prevents the increase in the protein beta amyloid." C. "It delays the destruction of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase." D. "Dopamine levels are increased."
C. "It delays the destruction of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase." By delaying the destruction of acetylcholine, donepezil improves cholinergic neurotransmission in the central nervous system, thus delaying the onset of cognitive decline in some clients. Donepezil is not a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It is a cholinesterase inhibitor and does not work on the protein beta amyloid, nor does it work on dopamine receptors.
A client with dementia and Alzheimer's disease is discharged to home. The client's daughter says, "He wanders so much, I am afraid he'll slip away from me." What resource does the nurse suggest? A. Alzheimer's Wandering Association B. National Alzheimer's Group C. Safe Return Program D. Lost Family Members Tracking Association
C. Safe Return Program The family should enroll the client in the Safe Return Program, a national, government-funded program of the Alzheimer's Association that assists in the identification and safe, timely return of those with dementia who wander off and become lost. The Alzheimer's Wandering Association, National Alzheimer's Group, and Lost Family Members Tracking Association do not exist.
A client in the emergency department (ED) has slurred speech, confusion, and visual problems and has been having intermittent episodes of worsening symptoms. The symptoms have a gradual onset. The client also has a history of hypertension and atherosclerosis. What does the nurse suspect that the client is probably experiencing? A. Embolic stroke B. Hemorrhagic stroke C. Thrombotic stroke D. Transient ischemic attack
C. Thrombotic stroke The client's signs and symptoms fit the description of a thrombotic stroke due to its gradual onset. Signs and symptoms of embolic stroke have a sudden onset, unlike this client's symptoms. Hemorrhagic strokes more frequently present with sudden, severe headache. Intermittent episodes of slurred speech, confusion, and visual problems are transient ischemic attacks, which often are warning signs of an impending ischemic stroke.
A nurse plans care for a client with Parkinson disease. Which intervention should the nurse include in this client's plan of care? a. Ambulate the client in the hallway twice a day. b. Ensure a fluid intake of at least 3 liters per day. c. Teach the client pursed-lip breathing techniques. d. Keep the head of the bed at 30 degrees or greater.
D. Elevation of the head of the bed will help prevent aspiration. The other options will not prevent aspiration, which is the greatest respiratory complication of Parkinson disease, nor do these interventions address any of the complications of Parkinson disease. Ambulation in the hallway is usually implemented to prevent venous thrombosis. Increased fluid intake flushes out toxins from the client's blood. Pursed-lip breathing increases exhalation of carbon dioxide.
A client has Parkinson disease (PD). Which nursing intervention best protects the client from injury? A. Discouraging the client from activity B. Encouraging the client to watch the feet when walking C. Suggesting that the client obtain assistance in performing activities of daily living (ADLs) D. Monitoring the client's sleep patterns
D. Monitoring the client's sleep patterns Clients with PD tend to not sleep well at night because of drug therapy and the disease itself. Some clients nap for short periods during the day and may not be aware that they have done so. This sleep misperception could put the client at risk for injury (e.g., falling asleep while driving).
A client is admitted with a stroke (brain attack). Which tool does the nurse use to facilitate a focused neurologic assessment of the client? A. Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) B. Intracranial pressure monitor C. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE; mini-mental status examination) D. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
D. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) The nurse uses the NIHSS tool to perform a focused neurologic assessment. Health care providers and nurses at designated stroke centers use a specialized stroke scale such as the NIHSS to assess clients.The Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) provides a non-specific indication of level of consciousness. An intracranial pressure monitor would be requested by the health care specialist if signs and symptoms indicated increased intracranial pressure. The MMSE is used primarily to differentiate among dementia, psychosis, and affective disorders.
