A patient is hospitalized following a stroke. Three days after admission, the patient is able to converse clearly with the nurse during the morning assessment. Early in the afternoon, the patient’s daughter runs out of the room and says, “My mother can’t talk. Somebody help!” Which response by the nurse is best?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse should do a quick assessment to confirm the change in the patient's status, then notify the RN or physician. This is the best response because the nurse needs to immediately assess the patient's condition to ensure prompt intervention if needed. By confirming the change in the patient's status, the nurse can provide the necessary information to the healthcare team for appropriate evaluation and management. The other choices are incorrect because: A does not address the urgency of the situation, C involves unnecessary delay by waiting for the speech therapist, and D is not appropriate as the nurse should be the one assessing and notifying the healthcare team.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse interprets this as respiratory alkalosis because the patient is likely experiencing hyperventilation, leading to a decrease in CO2 levels and respiratory alkalosis. This is indicated by an increase in pH and a decrease in PaCO2 on arterial blood gas analysis. Metabolic acidosis (choice B) is characterized by low pH and low bicarbonate levels, not seen in this scenario. Respiratory acidosis (choice A) is characterized by high PaCO2 levels and low pH, which is not the case here. Metabolic alkalosis (choice D) is characterized by high pH and high bicarbonate levels, which is not consistent with the patient's presentation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Generalized seizure. This type of seizure involves both hemispheres of the brain from the onset, leading to loss of consciousness and tonic-clonic jerking. It is characterized by widespread, synchronized electrical discharges. A: Focal seizures start in one area of the brain, leading to localized symptoms without loss of consciousness. B: Jacksonian seizures are a type of focal seizure characterized by a progression of jerking movements from one body part to another. D: Partial seizures involve only one part of the brain, leading to localized symptoms or altered consciousness without loss of awareness.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (Lifetime dependency on hormone replacement) because after hypophysectomy (removal of the pituitary gland), patients will no longer produce essential hormones like growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, etc. Therefore, they will require lifelong hormone replacement therapy to maintain normal bodily functions. A: Abnormal distribution of body hair is not directly related to hypophysectomy. C: While fluid intake may be important post-surgery, it is not the primary focus of teaching. D: There is typically no need for repeat surgical procedures after a hypophysectomy, as it is a one-time surgery to address specific issues. In summary, choice B is correct as it directly addresses the long-term implications of the surgery on hormone production and the need for replacement therapy, while the other choices are not directly relevant to the post-operative care of hypophysectomy patients.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Use aseptic technique for the insertion site. Aseptic technique is necessary to prevent infection when accessing the intracranial pressure monitoring system. Aseptic technique involves maintaining a sterile field during the insertion process, reducing the risk of introducing pathogens. Using clean technique for cleansing connections (choice B) may introduce contaminants to the insertion site. Sterile technique for cleansing the insertion site (choice C) is not necessary and may be overly stringent. Closing leaks in the tubing with tape (choice D) does not address the prevention of infection at the insertion site.