Neuro 2 Flashcards
(53 cards)
A nurse is educating a group about stroke risk factors. Which modifiable risk factor should be emphasized?
A. Age over 65
B. Family history of stroke
C. Hypertension
D. History of transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Correct Answer: C. Hypertension
Rationale: Hypertension is the most significant modifiable risk factor for stroke. While age and family history are non-modifiable, controlling blood pressure greatly reduces stroke risk.
A patient presents with slurred speech, right-sided weakness, and difficulty understanding speech. Symptoms resolve within an hour. The nurse suspects which condition?
A. Ischemic stroke
B. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
C. Hemorrhagic stroke
D. Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Correct Answer: B. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Rationale: A TIA is a temporary episode of neurological dysfunction lasting less than an hour without causing permanent damage. It is a warning sign of an impending stroke.
A patient with an embolic stroke is most likely to have a history of which condition?
A. Atrial fibrillation
B. Hypertension
C. Hyperlipidemia
D. Diabetes mellitus
Correct Answer: A. Atrial fibrillation
Rationale: Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of embolism by promoting clot formation in the heart, which can travel to the brain and cause an embolic stroke.
A patient with a suspected stroke arrives at the emergency department. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
A. Start IV fluids
B. Obtain a CT scan of the head
C. Administer aspirin
D. Check blood glucose levels
Correct Answer: B. Obtain a CT scan of the head
Rationale: A CT scan must be performed immediately to differentiate ischemic from hemorrhagic stroke, which determines treatment. Anticoagulants are contraindicated in hemorrhagic strokes.
A nurse is preparing to administer alteplase (tPA) to a patient with an ischemic stroke. Which finding would require the nurse to withhold the medication?
A. Blood pressure of 168/90 mmHg
B. Stroke symptom onset 2.5 hours ago
C. History of atrial fibrillation
D. Recent gastrointestinal bleeding
Correct Answer: D. Recent gastrointestinal bleeding
Rationale: Alteplase (tPA) is contraindicated in patients with recent bleeding (GI bleed, surgery, trauma) due to the high risk of hemorrhage.
Which symptom is most characteristic of a right-hemispheric stroke?
A. Expressive aphasia
B. Right-sided paralysis
C. Impulsive behavior
D. Impaired language comprehension
Correct Answer: C. Impulsive behavior
Rationale: Right hemisphere strokes often cause impulsivity, poor judgment, and lack of awareness of deficits. Language impairment is more common in left hemisphere strokes.
A patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is prescribed mannitol. What is the expected outcome?
A. Reduced cerebral edema
B. Increased blood pressure
C. Decreased urine output
D. Increased respiratory rate
Correct Answer: A. Reduced cerebral edema
Rationale: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that reduces cerebral edema by pulling fluid from the brain into circulation, increasing urine output.
A nurse is caring for a patient recovering from a hemorrhagic stroke. Which intervention is contraindicated?
A. Administering stool softeners
B. Monitoring blood pressure
C. Administering anticoagulants
D. Elevating the head of the bed
Correct Answer: C. Administering anticoagulants
Rationale: Anticoagulants (e.g., heparin, warfarin, aspirin) are contraindicated in hemorrhagic strokes because they increase the risk of further bleeding.
A nurse is assessing a patient with a left-sided stroke. Which finding is expected?
A. Right-sided hemiplegia
B. Impulsivity and poor judgment
C. Spatial-perceptual deficits
D. Left-sided neglect
Correct Answer: A. Right-sided hemiplegia
Rationale: The left hemisphere controls the right side of the body, so left-sided strokes cause right-sided weakness or paralysis.
A patient with dysphagia after a stroke is at risk for aspiration. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
A. Position the patient in high-Fowler’s during meals
B. Offer thin liquids to encourage hydration
C. Encourage the patient to eat quickly to avoid fatigue
D. Allow the patient to use a straw for liquids
Correct Answer: A. Position the patient in high-Fowler’s during meals
Rationale: High-Fowler’s position (sitting upright) reduces the risk of aspiration. Thin liquids and straws should be avoided as they increase aspiration risk.
A nurse is educating a patient about modifiable stroke risk factors. Which statement indicates the patient understands the teaching?
A. “I can’t do anything about my stroke risk.”
B. “I will monitor my blood pressure regularly.”
C. “I should avoid taking my cholesterol medication.”
D. “I don’t need to stop smoking since I feel fine.”
Correct Answer: B. “I will monitor my blood pressure regularly.”
Rationale: Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for stroke. Blood pressure control is essential for stroke prevention.
A patient is receiving IV fluids after a stroke. Which IV solution should be avoided?
A. 0.9% Normal Saline
B. Lactated Ringer’s
C. Dextrose 5% in water (D5W)
D. 0.45% Normal Saline
Correct Answer: C. Dextrose 5% in water (D5W)
Rationale: D5W is a hypotonic solution that can worsen cerebral edema and increase intracranial pressure (ICP). Isotonic fluids (e.g., NS, LR) are preferred.
A nurse is assessing a patient with a stroke affecting the cerebellum. Which symptom is expected?
A. Difficulty swallowing
B. Impaired balance and coordination
C. Expressive aphasia
D. Hemiplegia
Correct Answer: B. Impaired balance and coordination
Rationale: The cerebellum controls balance and coordination, so damage results in ataxia, dizziness, and difficulty walking
A patient with a stroke is experiencing unilateral neglect. What is the best nursing intervention?
A. Encourage the patient to ignore the affected side
B. Place objects on the affected side to encourage use
C. Avoid touching the affected side
D. Turn the patient’s head toward the unaffected side
Correct Answer: B. Place objects on the affected side to encourage use
Rationale: Unilateral neglect causes the patient to ignore one side of the body. Placing objects on the affected side encourages awareness and use.
A nurse is assessing a patient with a suspected hemorrhagic stroke. Which symptom is most indicative of this condition?
A. Sudden, severe headache
B. Gradual onset of unilateral weakness
C. Numbness and tingling in the extremities
D. Transient loss of consciousness
Correct Answer: A. Sudden, severe headache
Rationale: A sudden, severe headache (“thunderclap headache”) is a hallmark sign of hemorrhagic stroke, caused by intracranial bleeding and increased intracranial pressure (ICP).
A patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is placed in a semi-Fowler’s position. What is the rationale for this intervention?
A. It increases cerebral blood flow
B. It prevents aspiration pneumonia
C. It promotes venous drainage from the brain
D. It decreases the risk of brain herniation
Correct Answer: C. It promotes venous drainage from the brain
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed (HOB) to 25-30 degrees helps reduce ICP by promoting venous drainage, preventing further brain swelling.
A nurse is preparing to administer tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for a patient with an ischemic stroke. Which factor is a contraindication?
A. Blood pressure of 170/90 mmHg
B. Onset of stroke symptoms 2.5 hours ago
C. History of peptic ulcer disease
D. Active gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding
Correct Answer: D. Active gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding
Rationale: tPA is contraindicated in patients with active bleeding, recent surgery, or a history of intracranial hemorrhage due to the risk of excessive bleeding.
A patient with a stroke has difficulty understanding spoken and written language but can speak fluently. This condition is known as:
A. Broca’s aphasia
B. Wernicke’s aphasia
C. Dysarthria
D. Global aphasia
Correct Answer: B. Wernicke’s aphasia
Rationale: Wernicke’s aphasia (receptive aphasia) affects language comprehension but allows fluent speech that lacks meaning. Broca’s aphasia impairs speech production but preserves comprehension.
A patient with a history of stroke is experiencing neglect of their left side. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Encourage the patient to look toward the left side
B. Place the call light and personal items on the right side
C. Approach the patient from the right side
D. Avoid turning the patient’s head to the left
Correct Answer: A. Encourage the patient to look toward the left side
Rationale: Unilateral neglect occurs when a patient ignores one side of the body. Encouraging scanning the affected side helps improve awareness and function.
A nurse is monitoring a patient for complications of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Widening pulse pressure and irregular respirations
B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes
C. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 14
D. Pupils equal and reactive to light
Correct Answer: A. Widening pulse pressure and irregular respirations
Rationale: Widening pulse pressure, irregular respirations (Cheyne-Stokes), and bradycardia are signs of Cushing’s triad, indicating brainstem herniation, which is a medical emergency.
A patient with a suspected embolic stroke is admitted to the emergency department. Which diagnostic test should be performed first?
A. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
B. Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scan
C. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography
D. Cerebral angiography
Correct Answer: B. Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scan
Rationale: A non-contrast CT scan is the first-line imaging test for stroke to differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, guiding treatment decisions.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient who had a stroke. Which statement by the patient requires further teaching?
A. “I should monitor my blood pressure regularly.”
B. “I will continue my smoking cessation plan.”
C. “I don’t need to take my blood thinners if I feel fine.”
D. “I will follow a low-fat, low-sodium diet.”
Correct Answer: C. “I don’t need to take my blood thinners if I feel fine.”
Rationale: Anticoagulants and antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) must be taken consistently to prevent another stroke, even if the patient feels fine.
A patient is diagnosed with a stroke affecting the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Which symptom is most likely?
A. Loss of coordination and balance
B. Visual field deficits and hemiparesis
C. Difficulty swallowing and speaking
D. Complete loss of sensation in lower limbs
Correct Answer: B. Visual field deficits and hemiparesis
Rationale: MCA strokes commonly cause contralateral hemiparesis, sensory deficits, and visual disturbances. The MCA supplies a large portion of the brain.
A patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage is at high risk for vasospasm. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Administer calcium channel blockers
B. Lower the head of the bed to improve perfusion
C. Increase IV fluids to induce hypertension
D. Withhold pain medications to monitor for neurologic changes
Correct Answer: A. Administer calcium channel blockers
Rationale: Nimodipine (a calcium channel blocker) is commonly used to prevent cerebral vasospasm, which can lead to secondary ischemia after a subarachnoid hemorrhage