Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who had a seizure and became unresponsive after stating she had a sudden, severe headache and vomiting. The client's vital signs are as follows: blood pressure of 198/110 mm Hg, pulse of 82/min, respirations of 24/min, and a temperature of 38.2° C (100.8° F). Which of the following neurologic disorders should the nurse suspect?
A. Thrombotic stroke
Thrombotic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood clot forms in an artery that supplies blood to the brain, causing ischemia and tissue damage. The client's symptoms are not typical of thrombotic stroke, which usually has a gradual onset and affects one side of the body.
B. Transient ischemic atack (TIA)
Transient ischemic atack (TIA) is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, causing neurologic deficits that resolve within 24 hours. The client's symptoms are not indicative of TIA, which does not cause loss of consciousness or permanent brain damage.
C. Embolic stroke
Embolic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood clot or other debris travels from another part of the body to the brain, causing occlusion and ischemia. The client's symptoms are not characteristic of embolic stroke, which usually has a sudden onset and affects one side of the body.
D. Hemorrhagic stroke
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Full Explanation
Hemorrhagic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel ruptures in the brain, causing bleeding and increased intracranial pressure. The client's symptoms of sudden, severe headache, vomiting, seizure, and
unresponsiveness are consistent with hemorrhagic stroke. The client's elevated blood pressure and temperature are also risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke.
Thrombotic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood clot forms in an artery that supplies blood to the brain, causing ischemia and tissue damage. The client's symptoms are not typical of thrombotic stroke, which usually has a gradual onset and affects one side of the body.
Transient ischemic atack (TIA) is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, causing neurologic deficits that resolve within 24 hours. The client's symptoms are not indicative of TIA, which does not cause loss of consciousness or permanent brain damage.
Embolic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood clot or other debris travels from another part of the body to the brain, causing occlusion and ischemia. The client's symptoms are not characteristic of embolic stroke, which usually has a sudden onset and affects one side of the body.
Similar Questions
A nurse is teaching the family of a client who has a new diagnosis of epilepsy about actions to take if the client experiences a seizure. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. "Place the client on his back."
"Place the client on his back." is not correct, as it can cause airway obstruction and aspiration. The client should be placed on his side, preferably in a lateral recumbent position, to allow saliva and secretions to drain from the mouth.
B. "Restrain the client."
"Restrain the client." is not appropriate, as it can cause injury, increase agitation, or prolong the seizure. The client should be allowed to move freely during a seizure, but supported and guided away from hazards.
C. "Insert a padded tongue blade into the client's mouth."
"Insert a padded tongue blade into the client's mouth." is not advisable, as it can cause oral trauma, choking, or damage to the teeth. The client should not have anything inserted into his mouth during a seizure, as he cannot swallow or bite his tongue. The nurse should ensure that the client's airway is clear and patent.
D. "Move objects away from the client."
Moving objects away from the client is an important action to take during a seizure, as it can prevent injury and protect the client from harm.
Full Explanation
Moving objects away from the client is an important action to take during a seizure, as it can prevent injury and protect the client from harm.
"Place the client on his back." is not correct, as it can cause airway obstruction and aspiration. The client should be placed on his side, preferably in a lateral recumbent position, to allow saliva and secretions to drain from the mouth.
"Restrain the client." is not appropriate, as it can cause injury, increase agitation, or prolong the seizure. The client should be allowed to move freely during a seizure, but supported and guided away from hazards.
"Insert a padded tongue blade into the client's mouth." is not advisable, as it can cause oral trauma, choking, or damage to the teeth. The client should not have anything inserted into his mouth during a seizure, as he cannot swallow or bite his tongue. The nurse should ensure that the client's airway is clear and patent.
A nurse enters a client's room and finds the client on the floor having a seizure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Hold the client's arms and legs from moving.
Holding the client's arms and legs from moving is not appropriate, as it can cause injury, increase agitation, or prolong the seizure. The client should be allowed to move freely during a seizure, but supported and guided away from hazards.
B. Place the client back in bed.
Placing the client back in bed is not necessary, as it can cause harm or delay care. The client should be left on the floor, unless it is unsafe or uncomfortable, and padded with pillows or blankets to protect from injury.
C. Place the client on his side.
Placing the client on his side is an essential action to take during a seizure, as it can prevent airway obstruction and aspiration. The client should be placed on his side, preferably in a lateral recumbent position, to allow saliva and secretions to drain from the mouth.
D. Insert a tongue blade in the client's mouth.
Inserting a tongue blade in the client's mouth is not advisable, as it can cause oral trauma, choking, or damage to the teeth. The client should not have anything inserted into his mouth during a seizure, as he cannot swallow or bite his tongue. The nurse should ensure that the client's airway is clear and patent.
Full Explanation
Placing the client on his side is an essential action to take during a seizure, as it can prevent airway obstruction and aspiration. The client should be placed on his side, preferably in a lateral recumbent position, to allow saliva and secretions to drain from the mouth.
Holding the client's arms and legs from moving is not appropriate, as it can cause injury, increase agitation, or prolong the seizure. The client should be allowed to move freely during a seizure, but supported and guided away from hazards.
Placing the client back in bed is not necessary, as it can cause harm or delay care. The client should be left on the floor, unless it is unsafe or uncomfortable, and padded with pillows or blankets to protect from injury.
Inserting a tongue blade in the client's mouth is not advisable, as it can cause oral trauma, choking, or damage to the teeth. The client should not have anything inserted into his mouth during a seizure, as he cannot swallow or bite his tongue. The nurse should ensure that the client's airway is clear and patent.
A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who took 3 nitroglycerin tablets sublingually for chest pain. The client reports relief from the chest pain but now he is experiencing a headache. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
A. "A headache is an indication of an allergy to the medication."
"A headache is an indication of an allergy to the medication." is not correct, as a headache is not a sign of an allergic reaction to nitroglycerin. An allergic reaction would manifest as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
B. "A headache indicates tolerance to the medication."
"A headache indicates tolerance to the medication." is not accurate, as a headache does not indicate tolerance to nitroglycerin. Tolerance would manifest as reduced or absent relief from anginal pain.
C. "A headache is likely due to the anxiety about the chest pain."
"A headache is likely due to the anxiety about the chest pain." is not plausible, as a headache is not likely due to the anxiety about the chest pain. Anxiety would manifest as nervousness, restlessness, palpitations, or sweating.
D. "A headache is an expected adverse effect of the medication."
A headache is a common and expected adverse effect of nitroglycerin, due to its vasodilating action. The client can take an over-the-counter analgesic to relieve the headache, unless contraindicated.
Full Explanation
A headache is a common and expected adverse effect of nitroglycerin, due to its vasodilating action. The client can take an over-the-counter analgesic to relieve the headache, unless contraindicated.
"A headache is an indication of an allergy to the medication." is not correct, as a headache is not a sign of an allergic reaction to nitroglycerin. An allergic reaction would manifest as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
"A headache indicates tolerance to the medication." is not accurate, as a headache does not indicate tolerance to nitroglycerin. Tolerance would manifest as reduced or absent relief from anginal pain.
"A headache is likely due to the anxiety about the chest pain." is not plausible, as a headache is not likely due to the anxiety about the chest pain. Anxiety would manifest as nervousness, restlessness, palpitations, or sweating.