The client, a 72-year-old male widower, lives with his son. The client tells his son that he has
a headache and that he is not feeling well. Son notices some left-sided weakness in his father
and takes client to the Emergency Department (ED).
The Emergency Department (ED) nurse completes the admission assessment. Mr. Jones is alert but
struggles to answer questions. When he attempts to talk, he slurs his speech and appears very
frightened. Which additional clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to find if Mr. Jones'
symptoms have been caused by a stroke?
carotid bruit
elevated BP
hyporeflexic DTR
Following the ED healthcare provider's (HCP) assessment, the ED nurse continues to assess Mr. Jones
every 15 minutes. Mr. Jones' son, Barry sits at the bedside while the nurse assess Mr. Jones. Which
assessment findings warrant immediate intervention by the nurse?
GCS changes from 12 to 9
positive Babinski's reflex bilaterally
unable to verbalize response to questions
Due to his deteriorating condition, the neurologist is consulted to see Mr. Jones immediately. The nurse
suspects that Mr. Jones has probably suffered a right-sided stroke. Which clinical manifestations further
support this assessment?
increased distractibility
visual deficit on left side
spatial-perceptual deficits
paresthesia on left side
(global aphasia L hemi)
The neurologist writes a diagnosis of "suspected stroke" and prescribes a computed tomography (CT)
scan without contrast STAT. Which intervention should the nurse implement when preparing Mr. Jones
and his son for this procedure?
Explain procedure requires client to lie completely still
, (head motion will distort the images, if his LOC is decreased he may require a head support to
accomplish this)
The neurologist also prescribes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head STAT. Which data
warrants immediate intervention by the nurse concerning this diagnostic test?
left hip replacement
Over the next 24 hour, Mr. Jones' SaO2, potassium level, and telemetry readings are within normal
limits for his age, but his cardiac output decreases. The HCP needs to be notified regarding decreased
cardiac output to decide whether to initiate IV fluid if hypovolemia is an issue and to determine other
medical interventions.Which nursing interventions would be priority at this time?
monitor pulse ox, capillary refill, intake and output, and LOC
Which explanation by the nurse is the most therapeutic response?
"Your father has had a stroke, and the blood supply to the brain has been compromised."
Barry is visibly upset and states, "Dad has been fine all week. We even went out to dinner. I love him so
much and I am scared." How should the nurse respond?
"I know this is scary for you. Would you like to sit and talk?"
Which nursing care task should the nurse delegate to the UAP? (Select all the apply.)
measure I&Os
change linen and give bed bath
take vital signs
With a diagnosis of a stroke, which priority intervention should the nurse include in Mr. Jones' plan of
care?
monitor glucose daily
elevate head of bed
assess neuro status daily