Stroke after a major ischemic stroke, a possible complication is cerebral edema. Nursing care during the immediate recovery period from an ischemic stroke should include which of the following?
- A. Positioning to avoid hypoxia
- B. Maximizing PaCO2
- C. Administering hypertonic IV solution
- D. Initiating early mobilization
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Positioning to avoid hypoxia reduces ICP in ischemic stroke recovery. High PaCO2 and early mobilization increase ICP; hypertonic saline is for hyponatremia.
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A patient is brought by ambulance to the ED after suffering what the family thinks is a stroke. The nurse caring for this patient is aware that an absolute contraindication for thrombolytic therapy is what?
- A. Evidence of hemorrhagic stroke
- B. Blood pressure of 180/110 mm Hg
- C. Evidence of stroke evolution
- D. Previous thrombolytic therapy within the past 12 months
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated in hemorrhagic stroke due to bleeding risk. High BP, stroke evolution, or prior thrombolytic use are not absolute contraindications.
A patient has recently begun mobilizing during the recovery from an ischemic stroke. To protect the patients safety during mobilization, the nurse should perform what action?
- A. Support the patients full body weight with a waist belt during ambulation.
- B. Have a colleague follow the patient closely with a wheelchair.
- C. Avoid mobilizing the patient in the early morning or late evening.
- D. Ensure that the patients family members do not participate in mobilization.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A wheelchair nearby ensures safety if the patient becomes fatigued or dizzy. Family participation is encouraged, and timing is not restricted.
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.
The pathophysiology of an ischemic stroke involves the ischemic cascade, which includes the following steps: 1. Change in pH 2. Blood flow decreases 3. A switch to anaerobic respiration 4. Membrane pumps fail 5. Cells cease to function 6. Lactic acid is generated. Put these steps in order in which they occur.
- A. 635241
- B. 352416
- C. 236145
- D. 162534
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The ischemic cascade starts with decreased blood flow (2), then anaerobic respiration (3), lactic acid generation (6), pH change (1), membrane pump failure (4), and cell dysfunction (5).
A patient with a cerebral aneurysm exhibits signs and symptoms of an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP). What nursing intervention would be most appropriate for this patient?
- A. Range-of-motion exercises to prevent contractures
- B. Encouraging independence with ADLs to promote recovery
- C. Early initiation of physical therapy
- D. Absolute bed rest in a quiet, nonstimulating environment
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Absolute bed rest minimizes BP elevation, reducing bleeding risk in cerebral aneurysms. Activity-based interventions increase ICP and are contraindicated.
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