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NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department who has a preliminary diagnosis of a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Which of the following diagnostic testing should the nurse anticipate the provider to prescribe?
A. Computerized tomography angiography (CTA)
Computerized tomography angiography (CTA)This is a likely diagnostic test that the provider may prescribe. CTA uses computed tomography (CT) imaging to visualize the blood vessels in the brain and neck. It can help identify areas of stenosis, occlusion, or other abnormalities in the blood vessels that may contribute to the TIA symptoms.
B. Complete blood count (CBC)
Complete blood count (CBC)A complete blood count (CBC) is a routine laboratory test that assesses various components of blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. While it may not be specific to diagnosing a transient ischemic attack (TIA), it can help evaluate for underlying conditions such as anemia or thrombocytosis that could contribute to TIA symptoms or increase the risk of stroke.
C. Prothrombin time (PT)
Prothrombin time (PT) is a laboratory test that evaluates the clotting ability of blood and is typically used to monitor anticoagulant therapy. While abnormal coagulation parameters may be associated with certain conditions that predispose to TIA (such as atrial fibrillation), PT alone is not a specific diagnostic test for TIA.
D. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)This is another possible diagnostic test that the provider may prescribe. TEE is a specialized echocardiogram that provides detailed images of the heart structures by inserting an ultrasound probe
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Full Explanation
A.Computerized tomography angiography (CTA)
This is a likely diagnostic test that the provider may prescribe. CTA uses computed tomography (CT) imaging to visualize the blood vessels in the brain and neck. It can help identify areas of stenosis, occlusion, or other abnormalities in the blood vessels that may contribute to the TIA symptoms.
B. Complete blood count (CBC)
A complete blood count (CBC) is a routine laboratory test that assesses various components of blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. While it may not be specific to diagnosing a transient ischemic attack (TIA), it can help evaluate for underlying conditions such as anemia or thrombocytosis that could contribute to TIA symptoms or increase the risk of stroke.
C. Prothrombin time (PT)
Prothrombin time (PT) is a laboratory test that evaluates the clotting ability of blood and is typically used to monitor anticoagulant therapy. While abnormal coagulation parameters may be associated with certain conditions that predispose to TIA (such as atrial fibrillation), PT alone is not a specific diagnostic test for TIA.
D. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
This is another possible diagnostic test that the provider may prescribe. TEE is a specialized echocardiogram that provides detailed images of the heart structures by inserting an ultrasound probe
Similar Questions
A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching to a client who has epilepsy. Which of the following instructions should be included in the teaching?
A. Placing padding around or under the patient's head
Placing padding around or under the patient's headThis is a helpful instruction to include. Placing padding around or under the patient's head can help prevent injury during a seizure by cushioning the head against impact with the ground.
B. Positioning the patient on the side once the relaxation stage is entered to allow oral secretions to drain
Positioning the patient on the side once the relaxation stage is entered to allow oral secretions to drainThis is a correct instruction. Positioning the patient on their side (recovery position) can help prevent aspiration if vomiting occurs during or after the seizure. It also helps clear oral secretions and maintain a clear airway.
C. Have the necessary equipment and/or personnel in case the patient doesn't spontaneously breath when the seizure is over
Having the necessary equipment and/or personnel in case the patient doesn't spontaneously breathe when the seizure is overThis is an important instruction. It is crucial to have emergency equipment (such as oxygen and suction) readily available and to be prepared to provide respiratory support if the patient does not spontaneously breathe after the seizure.
D. Insert a tongue depressor in the patient's mouth
Inserting a tongue depressor in the patient's mouthThis is an incorrect instruction. It is not recommended to insert anything into the patient's mouth during a seizure as it can cause injury to the teeth, gums, or airway. Additionally, it is a common misconception that tongue swallowing occurs during seizures, which is rare.
E. Note the time the seizure started
This is a critical instruction. Noting the time the seizure started helps healthcare providers assess the duration of the seizure and determine if medical intervention is necessary. It also helps monitor the patient's recovery and response to treatment.
F. Hold the patient down to prevent injury
This is an incorrect instruction. Holding the patient down during a seizure can cause injury to both the patient and the person restraining them. It is important to create a safe environment by removing hazards and guiding the patient away from dangerous objects or situations, but holding them down is not appropriate.
Full Explanation
A. Placing padding around or under the patient's head
This is a helpful instruction to include. Placing padding around or under the patient's head can help prevent injury during a seizure by cushioning the head against impact with the ground.
B. Positioning the patient on the side once the relaxation stage is entered to allow oral secretions to drain
This is a correct instruction. Positioning the patient on their side (recovery position) can help prevent aspiration if vomiting occurs during or after the seizure. It also helps clear oral secretions and maintain a clear airway.
C. Having the necessary equipment and/or personnel in case the patient doesn't spontaneously breathe when the seizure is over
This is an important instruction. It is crucial to have emergency equipment (such as oxygen and suction) readily available and to be prepared to provide respiratory support if the patient does not spontaneously breathe after the seizure.
D. Inserting a tongue depressor in the patient's mouth
This is an incorrect instruction. It is not recommended to insert anything into the patient's mouth during a seizure as it can cause injury to the teeth, gums, or airway. Additionally, it is a common misconception that tongue swallowing occurs during seizures, which is rare.
E. Noting the time the seizure started
This is a critical instruction. Noting the time the seizure started helps healthcare providers assess the duration of the seizure and determine if medical intervention is necessary. It also helps monitor the patient's recovery and response to treatment.
F. Holding the patient down to prevent injury
This is an incorrect instruction. Holding the patient down during a seizure can cause injury to both the patient and the person restraining them. It is important to create a safe environment by removing hazards and guiding the patient away from dangerous objects or situations, but holding them down is not appropriate.
A nurse is providing discharge instruction to a client who has hypertension that has resulted in a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Which of the following information should the nurse discuss with the client regarding blood pressure (BP) management?
A. The client should maintain systolic BP between 120 and 129 mm Hg.
The client should maintain systolic BP between 120 and 129 mm Hg.This is an appropriate recommendation. The American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines recommend maintaining systolic BP below 130 mm Hg to reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events in individuals with a history of stroke or TIA.
B. The client should maintain systolic BP between 130 and 135 mm Hg.
The client should maintain systolic BP between 130 and 135 mm Hg.This is slightly above the recommended range. While systolic BP below 135 mm Hg is generally recommended for individuals with a history of stroke or TIA, a range of 130-135 mm Hg may still be acceptable based on individual patient factors and risk assessments.
C. The client should maintain systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg.
The client should maintain systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg. This is above the recommended range. Systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg may be considered elevated and should be managed to lower levels to reduce the risk of recurrent TIA or stroke.
D. The client should maintain systolic BP between 141 and 145 mm Hg.
The client should maintain systolic BP between 141 and 145 mm Hg.This is above the recommended range. Systolic BP above 140 mm Hg is generally considered elevated and should be managed to lower levels to reduce the risk of recurrent TIA or stroke.
E. Note the time the seizure started
Full Explanation
A. The client should maintain systolic BP between 120 and 129 mm Hg.
This is an appropriate recommendation. The American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines recommend maintaining systolic BP below 130 mm Hg to reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events in individuals with a history of stroke or TIA.
B. The client should maintain systolic BP between 130 and 135 mm Hg.
This is slightly above the recommended range. While systolic BP below 135 mm Hg is generally recommended for individuals with a history of stroke or TIA, a range of 130-135 mm Hg may still be acceptable based on individual patient factors and risk assessments.
C. The client should maintain systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg.
This is above the recommended range. Systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg may be considered elevated and should be managed to lower levels to reduce the risk of recurrent TIA or stroke.
D. The client should maintain systolic BP between 141 and 145 mm Hg.
This is above the recommended range. Systolic BP above 140 mm Hg is generally considered elevated and should be managed to lower levels to reduce the risk of recurrent TIA or stroke.
Which signs and symptoms characterize expressive aphasia?
A. Difficulty initiating speech
Difficulty initiating speechThis is a characteristic symptom of expressive aphasia. Individuals with expressive aphasia have difficulty initiating speech and may produce speech that is slow, effortful, and lacking in grammatical structure.
B. Difficulty understanding the written and spoken word
Difficulty understanding the written and spoken wordThis symptom is not typically associated with expressive aphasia. Instead, difficulty understanding language, both written and spoken, is more commonly seen in receptive aphasia, also known as Wernicke's aphasia.
C. Total inability to communicate
Total inability to communicate While expressive aphasia can severely impair verbal communication, it does not result in a total inability to communicate. Individuals with expressive aphasia may still be able to communicate to some extent using nonverbal means, gestures, or writing.
D. Stuttering and spitting
Stuttering and spittingStuttering and spitting are not characteristic symptoms of expressive aphasia. Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by interruptions in the flow of speech, while spitting is not typically associated with aphasia.
Full Explanation
A. Difficulty initiating speech
This is a characteristic symptom of expressive aphasia. Individuals with expressive aphasia have difficulty initiating speech and may produce speech that is slow, effortful, and lacking in grammatical structure.
B. Difficulty understanding the written and spoken word
This symptom is not typically associated with expressive aphasia. Instead, difficulty understanding language, both written and spoken, is more commonly seen in receptive aphasia, also known as Wernicke's aphasia.
C. Total inability to communicate
While expressive aphasia can severely impair verbal communication, it does not result in a total inability to communicate. Individuals with expressive aphasia may still be able to communicate to some extent using nonverbal means, gestures, or writing.
D. Stuttering and spitting
Stuttering and spitting are not characteristic symptoms of expressive aphasia. Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by interruptions in the flow of speech, while spitting is not typically associated with aphasia.