A community health nurse is giving an educational presentation about stroke and heart disease at the local senior citizens center. What nonmodifiable risk factor for stroke should the nurse cite?
- A. Female gender
- B. Asian American race
- C. Advanced age
- D. Smoking
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Advanced age is a nonmodifiable stroke risk factor, with incidence doubling per decade after 55. Male gender, not female, and African American race are risks; smoking is modifiable.
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A patient with a new diagnosis of ischemic stroke is deemed to be a candidate for treatment with tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and has been admitted to the ICU. In addition to closely monitoring the patients cardiac and neurologic status, the nurse monitors the patient for signs of what complication?
- A. Acute pain
- B. Septicemia
- C. Bleeding
- D. Seizures
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bleeding is the primary complication of t-PA due to its thrombolytic action. Pain, septicemia, and seizures are less likely.
The nurse is performing stroke risk screenings at a hospital open house. The nurse has identified four patients who might be at risk for a stroke. Which patient is likely at the highest risk for a hemorrhagic stroke?
- A. White female, age 60, with history of excessive alcohol intake
- B. White male, age 60, with history of uncontrolled hypertension
- C. Black male, age 60, with history of diabetes
- D. Black male, age 50, with history of smoking
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Uncontrolled hypertension is the primary risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke. Alcohol, diabetes, and smoking increase risk but are less significant than hypertension.
A patient who has experienced an ischemic stroke has been admitted to the medical unit. The patients family in adamant that she remain on bed rest to hasten her recovery and to conserve energy. What principle of care should inform the nurses response to the family?
- A. The patient should mobilize as soon as she is physically able.
- B. To prevent contractures and muscle atrophy, bed rest should not exceed 4 weeks.
- C. The patient should remain on bed rest until she expresses a desire to mobilize.
- D. Lack of mobility will greatly increase the patients risk of stroke recurrence.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Early mobilization prevents complications like contractures and DVT. Prolonged bed rest or waiting for patient initiative is not recommended.
When caring for a patient who had a hemorrhagic stroke, close monitoring of vital signs and neurologic changes is imperative. What is the earliest sign of deterioration in a patient with a hemorrhagic stroke of which the nurse should be aware?
- A. Generalized pain
- B. Alteration in level of consciousness (LOC)
- C. Tonicclonic seizures
- D. Shortness of breath
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Altered LOC, such as drowsiness or slurred speech, is the earliest sign of deterioration in hemorrhagic stroke. Pain, seizures, and shortness of breath are not typical early signs.
A patient diagnosed with a cerebral aneurysm reports a severe headache to the nurse. What action is a priority for the nurse?
- A. Sit with the patient for a few minutes.
- B. Administer an analgesic.
- C. Inform the nurse-manager.
- D. Call the physician immediately.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A severe headache may indicate aneurysm leakage, requiring immediate physician notification. Analgesics or sitting with the patient delays critical intervention.
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