A patient is admitted with signs of stroke. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse anticipate as the priority?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of a patient presenting with signs of a stroke, the priority diagnostic test that the nurse should anticipate is a CT scan (Option A). The rationale behind this choice is that a CT scan is the most rapid and widely available imaging modality to assess for the presence of a stroke. It can quickly identify if the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic, which is crucial for guiding immediate treatment decisions such as administering thrombolytic therapy or managing blood pressure. On the other hand, the other options (MRI, X-ray, and Ultrasound) are not the preferred initial diagnostic tests for a suspected stroke. An MRI (Option B) provides more detailed imaging but takes longer to perform, which may delay time-sensitive interventions. X-rays (Option C) are used to visualize bones and some organs, not ideal for assessing stroke. Ultrasound (Option D) is more commonly used to assess blood flow in vessels but may not provide the detailed information needed for a stroke diagnosis. In an educational context, it is important for nurses to understand the rationale behind prioritizing certain diagnostic tests in specific clinical scenarios like stroke assessment. This knowledge helps nurses make quick and informed decisions to provide timely and appropriate care to patients, ultimately improving outcomes in acute situations such as stroke management.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'I might not realize the full effect of the medication for several weeks.' Levothyroxine is a medication that may take several weeks for the full effect to be evident. Choice A is incorrect because levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach. Choice B is incorrect because immediate results are not expected with levothyroxine. Choice D is incorrect because stopping the medication without consulting a healthcare provider can be harmful, even if the client feels better.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Albuterol. Albuterol can cause chest pain as a side effect due to its beta-agonist effects, which can lead to chest discomfort. Digoxin (choice A) is not typically associated with causing chest pain. Lisinopril (choice C) and Metoprolol (choice D) are not known to commonly cause chest pain as a side effect.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Correct answer: Increasing fluid intake is essential when taking allopurinol to prevent kidney stones and aid in uric acid excretion. This helps reduce the risk of developing complications associated with gout. Decreasing protein intake (Choice A) is not directly related to allopurinol therapy. Limiting salt intake (Choice B) and alcohol consumption (Choice D) are important for overall health but are not specific recommendations when taking allopurinol for gout.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because taking two medications together helps prevent the development of drug resistance in HIV treatment. Choice A is incorrect because the primary goal of combination therapy is not necessarily a faster recovery. Choice B is incorrect as the main purpose of combining medications in HIV treatment is to prevent resistance rather than improving the immune system. Choice D is incorrect because while it is true that the medications may target different parts of the virus, the main reason for using both together is to prevent resistance.