The nurse is planning health education for a 65-year-old woman who has had a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) and is aphasic. Which of the following is most important to use when assessing mental health in this situation?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Please point to articles in the room and parts of the body as I name them. This is the most important assessment for mental health in an aphasic patient post-stroke because it evaluates their comprehension, communication abilities, and cognitive function. Pointing to articles and body parts demonstrates understanding and ability to follow instructions, which are crucial aspects of mental health assessment in this context. A: Please count back from 100 by sevens - This choice involves memory and mathematical abilities, which may not accurately assess mental health in an aphasic patient. B: I will name three items and ask you to repeat them in a few minutes - This choice tests memory recall, which is not as relevant for assessing mental health in an aphasic patient post-stroke. D: What would you do if you found a stamped, addressed envelope on the sidewalk? - This choice assesses problem-solving skills, which may not be the most appropriate indicator of mental health in an aphasic patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Blood pressure. Dizziness, blurred vision, and nausea can be symptoms of hypotension or hypertension. Assessing the patient's blood pressure first is crucial to determine if the symptoms are related to blood pressure fluctuations. Electrolyte levels (A) and blood glucose levels (C) may be assessed later but do not address the immediate concern. Temperature and respiratory rate (D) are important assessments but are not the priority in this scenario where cardiovascular status needs to be evaluated first.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypothyroidism. In this case, the patient's symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and slow heart rate are indicative of hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland is underactive, leading to decreased production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism. These symptoms align with the typical clinical presentation of hypothyroidism. Other choices are incorrect because hyperthyroidism (choice A) would present with symptoms like weight loss, heat intolerance, and a fast heart rate. Cushing's syndrome (choice C) and Addison's disease (choice D) are both conditions related to the adrenal glands and would have different symptom presentations compared to what is described in the case scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertensive crisis. The nurse should be most concerned about this option because the patient has a history of hypertension and is experiencing new onset symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness, which could indicate a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure. This condition, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications such as stroke or heart attack. Summary: - B: Migraine headache is unlikely as the symptoms described are not typical of a migraine. - C: Benign positional vertigo is unlikely as it does not explain the presence of headaches and nausea. - D: Tension headache is less concerning compared to hypertensive crisis, given the patient's history of hypertension and the severity of symptoms.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tremors and dizziness. Hypoglycemia is characterized by low blood sugar levels. Tremors and dizziness are common symptoms due to the brain not receiving enough glucose for energy. Tachycardia and nausea (choice A) are more indicative of hyperglycemia. Polyuria and polydipsia (choice B) are classic symptoms of hyperglycemia in diabetes. Weight loss and fatigue (choice D) are not specific symptoms of hypoglycemia.