A patient is brought to the emergency department experiencing a possible stroke. What initial diagnostic test for a stroke , usually performed in the emergency department would the nurse prepare the patient for?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the emergency department setting, the initial diagnostic test typically performed for a patient suspected of having a stroke is a noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan of the head. This imaging study is crucial in evaluating and diagnosing stroke because it can quickly identify whether the person is having a hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain) or an ischemic stroke (blood clot blocking a blood vessel). The results of the CT scan help guide immediate treatment decisions, such as administering clot-busting medications for ischemic strokes or preparing for surgical interventions for hemorrhagic strokes. Carotid ultrasound studies and transcranial Doppler flow studies may be performed after the initial CT scan to further assess the extent of damage and the underlying cause of the stroke. The 12-lead electrocardiogram is useful in assessing the heart's electrical activity but is not the primary test for diagnosing stroke.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement regarding the use of decongestant nasal sprays is that "Nasal sprays should not be used for more than three days because it can worsen congestion." Prolonged use of decongestant nasal sprays can lead to rebound congestion, where the congestion worsens with extended use. Therefore, it is important to limit the use of these sprays to avoid this side effect. It is recommended to use decongestant nasal sprays for no longer than three consecutive days.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Obtaining informed consent is primarily the responsibility of the physician. Informed consent is a crucial ethical and legal concept in healthcare that requires the healthcare provider, usually the physician, to ensure that the patient understands the proposed treatment, including the risks, benefits, alternatives, and potential outcomes, before agreeing to proceed with the treatment. While other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, nurse managers, anesthesiologists, and midwives, may also play a role in the informed consent process by providing information and clarifying details, it is ultimately the physician who must obtain the patient's informed consent before any treatment or procedure is performed.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the case of a woman in active labor with placenta previa, the priority nursing intervention is to prepare for an immediate cesarean section. Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, which can lead to severe bleeding during labor and delivery. The risk of hemorrhage is significant, making a cesarean section the safest option for both the mother and the baby in this situation. It is crucial to act promptly to prevent complications and ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby. Administering intravenous oxytocin to augment labor or inserting a Foley catheter to monitor urine output would not address the immediate risk of hemorrhage associated with placenta previa. Implementing bed rest and continuous fetal monitoring may be part of the overall care plan but not the priority intervention in this urgent situation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The suicide of her mother is the most probable historical data that led to post-traumatic stress disorder. Experiencing the suicide of a close family member, especially a parent, can be an extremely traumatic event that can have long-lasting psychological effects. Witnessing or dealing with such a tragic loss can lead to feelings of helplessness, depression, guilt, and intense emotional distress, all of which are common in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This significant and distressing event could have a profound impact on the individual's mental health and well-being, contributing to the development of PTSD symptoms such as intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative mood alterations, and changes in arousal or reactivity.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A dental abscess is a localized accumulation of pus within the periodontal tissues, often associated with deep periodontal pockets. This condition typically arises from bacterial infection in the tooth pulp (periapical abscess) or in the periodontal tissues (periodontal abscess). The pus accumulation leads to localized swelling, pain, and tenderness in the affected area. Treatment usually involves draining the abscess and addressing the underlying infection through root canal therapy, periodontal treatment, or extraction, depending on the extent of the infection. It is important to seek prompt dental care to prevent potential complications as abscesses can lead to severe pain, systemic infection, and even tooth loss if left untreated.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: It is essential for nurses to record vital signs and notes on a patient as soon as they obtain them. This allows for accurate and timely documentation of crucial information related to the patient's health status. By recording the information promptly, nurses can ensure that they do not forget important details and can provide effective care based on accurate data. Waiting for lunch break or after completing other tasks can lead to delays in documentation, which may compromise patient care and safety. Therefore, the ideal and proper time for recording vital signs and notes is immediately after obtaining them.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer, C, reflects a health resource problem. The absence of a midwife in the community means that there is a lack of a critical health resource necessary for providing essential health services, especially for pregnant women and infants. This directly impacts the access to healthcare services and can contribute to negative health outcomes, such as high maternal mortality rates. The other options do not directly address a health resource problem but rather focus on specific issues or conflicts within the community.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart. Patients with pericarditis typically present with sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, changes in body position, and coughing. The pain tends to improve when the patient leans forward. This characteristic symptom of pericarditis is known as "pleuritic" chest pain. In contrast, stable angina presents as predictable chest pain that occurs with exertion and is relieved by rest or medications. Unstable angina is characterized by chest pain that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion and is considered a medical emergency. Myocarditis involves inflammation of the heart muscle and may present with symptoms such as chest pain, but it does not typically have the characteristic of worsening with deep breathing or changes in body position.