Pharmacology and the Nursing Process Test Bank Free Related

Review Pharmacology and the Nursing Process Test Bank Free related questions and content

A nurse approaches a hospitalized poststroke patient from the patient’s left side to do an assessment. The patient is staring straight ahead, and does not respond to the nurse’s presence or voice. Which action should the nurse take first?

  • A. Walk to the other side of the bed and try again
  • B. Speak more loudly and clearly
  • C. Wave his or her fingers in front of the patient’s face
  • D. Use a picture to explain to the patient what the nurse is going to do.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale:
1. By approaching the patient from the other side, the nurse can assess if the patient has a visual field deficit.
2. This step helps determine if the lack of response is due to a sensory issue.
3. It allows the nurse to rule out unilateral neglect or hemianopsia.
4. Walking to the other side is a basic assessment technique to evaluate visual and sensory deficits in poststroke patients.

Other Choices:
B. Speaking more loudly and clearly may not address the potential sensory issues the patient is experiencing.
C. Waving fingers in front of the patient's face does not provide a comprehensive assessment of visual field deficits.
D. Using a picture may be helpful, but addressing the potential visual field deficit should be prioritized first.