NCLEX RN Exam Review Answers Related

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A nurse frequently treats patients in the 72-hour period after a stroke has occurred. The nurse would be most concerned about which of these assessment findings?

  • A. INR is 3 seconds long
  • B. Heart rate is 110 beats per minute
  • C. Intracranial Pressure is 22 mmHg
  • D. Blood pressure is 140/80
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse would be most concerned about the assessment finding of an Intracranial Pressure (ICP) reading of 22 mmHg in a patient 72 hours post-stroke. Elevated ICP can indicate increased risk of edema and further brain damage. A target ICP should ideally be maintained at less than or equal to 15-20 mmHg. While the other options may also be important to monitor, an elevated ICP poses a more immediate threat to the patient's neurological status and requires prompt attention.