PrepU: Chapter 67: Management of Patients With Cerebrovascular Disorders

Thrombolytic therapy should be initiated within what time frame of an ischemic stroke to achieve the best functional outcome? 3 hours 6 hours 9 hours 12 hours

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

A nurse practitioner is presenting health information about strokes at a clinic. She mentions that there are five categories of strokes based on their origin. Which of the following is the category that has the highest incidence of strokes (30%)? Cardiogenic embolic Large artery thrombotic Small artery thrombotic Cryptogenic

Cryptogenic Explanation: Cryptogenic strokes, which account for 30% of all strokes, refer to strokes that cannot be attributed to any specific cause.

A healthcare provider orders several drugs for a client with hemorrhagic stroke. Which drug order should the nurse question? Phenytoin Methyldopa Heparin sodium Dexamethasone

Heparin sodium Explanation: 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 healthcare provider may use dexamethasone (Decadron) to decrease cerebral edema and pressure, methyldopa (Aldomet) to reduce blood pressure, and phenytoin (Dilantin) to prevent seizures.

Which term will the nurse use when referring to blindness in the right or left half of the visual field in both eyes? Nystagmus Scotoma Homonymous hemianopsia Diplopia

Homonymous hemianopsia Explanation: 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.

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? Completed Stroke Right-sided cerebrovascular accident (CVA) Transient ischemic attack (TIA) Left-sided cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

Left-sided cerebrovascular accident (CVA) Explanation: 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.

Which set of symptoms characterize Korsakoff syndrome? Severe dementia and myoclonus Tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia Choreiform movement and dementia Psychosis, disorientation, delirium, insomnia, and hallucinations

Psychosis, disorientation, delirium, insomnia, and hallucinations Explanation: Korsakoff syndrome is a personality disorder characterized by psychosis, disorientation, delirium, insomnia, and hallucinations. Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease results in severe dementia and myoclonus. The three cardinal signs of Parkinson disease are tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Huntington disease results in progressive involuntary choreiform (dancelike) movements and dementia.

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? Administer prescribed medications. Restrict fluids before surgery. Administer preoperative sedation. Administer an osmotic diuretic.

Restrict fluids before surgery. Explanation: Before surgery, the nurse should restrict fluids to avoid intraoperative complications, reduce cerebral edema, and prevent postoperative vomiting. The nurse administers prescribed medications such as an anticonvulsant phenytoin, like Dilantin, to reduce the risk of seizures before and after surgery, an osmotic diuretic, and corticosteroids. Preoperative sedation is omitted.

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? difficulty finding appropriate words severe exploding headache left-sided weakness slurred speech

severe exploding headache Explanation: 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.

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 chaplain physical therapist home care nurse

spouse Explanation: 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.

Which of the following is the initial diagnostic in suspected stroke? CT with contrast Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Cerebral angiography Noncontrast computed tomography (CT)

Noncontrast computed tomography (CT) Explanation: An initial head CT scan will determine whether or not the patient is experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke. An ischemic infarction will not be readily visible on initial CT scan if it is performed within the first few hours after symptoms onset; however, evidence of bleeding will almost always be visible.

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

Main presenting symptom is an "exploding headache." Explanation: 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 patient having a hemorrhagic stroke. What position in the bed will the nurse maintain this patient? Semi-Fowler's High-Fowler's Supine Prone

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

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

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

The nurse is caring for a client with chronic migraines who is prescribed medication. What drug-related instructions should the nurse give the client? Take medication as soon as symptoms of the migraine begin. Take medication only when migraine is intense. Take medication only during the morning when it's calm and quiet. Take medication just before going to bed at night.

Take medication as soon as symptoms of the migraine begin. Explanation: The nurse reinforces the drug therapy regimen and instructs the client on self-administration of medications. To stop the migraine headache, the nurse stresses the importance of taking medication as soon as symptoms of the migraine begin and not when the migraine intensifies.

A patient is exhibiting classic signs of a hemorrhagic stroke. What complaint from the patient would be an indicator of this type of stroke? Dizziness and tinnitus Severe headache Double vision Numbness of an arm or leg

Severe headache Explanation: The patient with a hemorrhagic stroke can present with a wide variety of neurologic deficits, similar to the patient with ischemic stroke. The conscious patient most commonly reports a severe headache.

Which term refers to the inability to perform previously learned purposeful motor acts on a voluntary basis? Agnosia Apraxia Agraphia Perseveration

Apraxia Explanation: Verbal apraxia refers to difficulty forming and organizing intelligible words although the musculature is intact. Agnosia is a failure to recognize familiar objects perceived by the senses. Agraphia refers to disturbances in writing intelligible words. Perseveration is the continued and automatic repetition of an activity or word or phrase that is no longer appropriate.

The geriatric advanced practice nurse (APN) is doing client teaching with a client who has had a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and the client's family. One concern the APN addresses is a potential for falls related to the CVA and resulting muscle weakness. What would be most important for the APN to include in teaching related to this concern? Remove throw rugs and electrical cords from home environment. Use of tripod cane. Need for support group due to decreased self image related to restricted mobility. Leg exercises to strengthen muscle weakness.

Remove throw rugs and electrical cords from home environment. Explanation: Client and family teaching is essential and focuses on the following points: Remove throw rugs, clutter, and electrical cords from the client's home environment to reduce the potential for falls. Although the other interventions may be appropriate, they are not as directly related to reducing fall risk.

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? "This behavior is common in clients with stroke. Which does your spouse do more often? Laugh or cry?" "Emotional lability is common after a stroke, and it usually improves with time." "You sound stressed; maybe using some stress management techniques will help." "You seem upset, and it may be hard for you to focus on the teaching, I'll come back later."

"Emotional lability is common after a stroke, and it usually improves with time." Explanation: This is the most therapeutic and informative response. Often, most relatives of clients with stroke handle the physical changes better than the emotional aspects of care. The family should be prepared to expect occasional episodes of emotional lability. The client may laugh or cry easily and may be irritable and demanding or depressed and confused. The nurse can explain to the family that the client's laughter does not necessarily connote happiness, nor does crying reflect sadness, and that emotional lability usually improves with time. The remaining responses are nontherapeutic and do not address the spouse's concerns.

A client is brought to the emergency department in a confused state, with slurred speech, characteristics of a headache, and right facial droop. The vital signs reveal a blood pressure of 170/88 mm Hg, pulse of 92 beats/minute, and respirations at 24 breaths/minute. On which bodily system does the nurse focus the nursing assessment? Endocrine system Neurovascular system Cardiovascular system Respiratory system

Neurovascular system Explanation: The client is exhibiting signs of an evolving cerebrovascular accident, possibly hemorrhagic in nature, with neurologic complications. Nursing assessment will focus on the neurovascular system assessing level of consciousness, hand grasps, communication deficits, etc. Continual cardiovascular assessment is important but not the main focus of assessment. Respiratory compromise is not noted as a concern. The symptoms exhibited are not from an endocrine dysfunction.

If warfarin is contraindicated as a treatment for stroke, which medication is the best option? Clopidogrel Ticlodipine Aspirin Dipyridamole

Aspirin Explanation: If warfarin is contraindicated, aspirin is the best option, although other medications may be used if both are contraindicated.

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

Bleeding Explanation: 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.

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

Frontal Explanation: 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.

The nurse practitioner is able to correlate a patient's neurologic deficits with the location in the brain affected by ischemia or hemorrhage. For a patient with a left hemispheric stroke, the nurse would expect to see: Impulsive behavior. Spatial-perceptual deficits. Left visual field deficit. Right-sided paralysis.

Right-sided paralysis. Explanation: A left hemispheric stroke will cause right-sided weakness or paralysis. Because upper motor neurons decussate, a disturbance on one side of the body can cause damage on the opposite side of the brain. Refer to Box 47-2 in the text.

A client recently experienced a stroke with accompanying left-sided paralysis. His family voices concerns about how to best interact with him. They report the client doesn't seem aware of their presence when they approach him on his left side. What advice should the nurse give the family? "The client is feeling an emotional loss. He'll eventually start acknowledging you on his left side." "The client is unaware of his left side. You should approach him on the right side." "The client is unaware of his left side. You need to encourage him to interact from this side." "This condition is temporary."

"The client is unaware of his left side. You should approach him on the right side." Explanation: The client is experiencing unilateral neglect and is unaware of his left side. The nurse should advise the family to approach him on his unaffected (right) side. Approaching the client on the affected side would be counterproductive. It's too premature to make the determination whether this condition will be permanent.

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? Anticoagulant therapy Cholesterol-lowering drugs Monthly prothrombin levels Carotid endarterectomy

Anticoagulant therapy Explanation: 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.

While providing information to a community group, the nurse tells them the primary initial symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke are: Confusion or change in mental status Severe headache and early change in level of consciousness Weakness on one side of the body and difficulty with speech Foot drop and external hip rotation

Severe headache and early change in level of consciousness Explanation: 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. Foot drop and external hip rotation can occur if a stroke victim is not turned or positioned correctly.

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

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

From which direction should a nurse approach a client who is blind in the right eye? From directly behind the client From the left side of the client From directly in front of the client From the right side of the client

From the left side of the client Explanation: 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.

The nurse is caring for a client with chronic migraines who is prescribed medication. What drug-related instructions should the nurse give the client? Take medication just before going to bed at night. Take medication as soon as symptoms of the migraine begin. Take medication only during the morning when it's calm and quiet. Take medication only when migraine is intense.

Take medication as soon as symptoms of the migraine begin. Explanation: The nurse reinforces the drug therapy regimen and instructs the client on self-administration of medications. To stop the migraine headache, the nurse stresses the importance of taking medication as soon as symptoms of the migraine begin and not when the migraine intensifies.