a patient is diagnosed with a hemorrhagic stroke what are the expected symptoms

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Adult Medical Surgical Assessment 2

1. What is a typical symptom of a hemorrhagic stroke in a patient?

A. Sudden, severe headache
B. Gradual onset of numbness
C. Loss of consciousness
D. Loss of speech ability

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A sudden, severe headache is a common symptom of a hemorrhagic stroke due to brain bleeding. This headache is often described as the worst headache of one's life. Gradual onset of numbness (choice B) is more characteristic of an ischemic stroke, where a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain. Loss of consciousness (choice C) can occur in severe cases of stroke but is not specific to hemorrhagic strokes. Loss of speech ability (choice D) is more associated with ischemic strokes affecting language centers of the brain.

2. What is the priority action for a patient experiencing chest pain from acute coronary syndrome?

A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
B. Administer aspirin
C. Obtain IV access
D. Check cardiac enzymes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer sublingual nitroglycerin. This medication helps to dilate the blood vessels, reduce the workload on the heart, and improve blood flow to the heart muscle, providing immediate relief for chest pain in acute coronary syndrome. Administering aspirin is also crucial in the early management of acute coronary syndrome to prevent further clot formation. However, in terms of immediate symptom relief, nitroglycerin takes precedence over aspirin. Obtaining IV access is important for administering medications and fluids but is not the priority over providing immediate relief for chest pain. Checking cardiac enzymes is essential for diagnosing acute coronary syndrome but is not the immediate priority when a patient is experiencing chest pain.

3. What are the expected ECG findings in hypokalemia?

A. Flattened T waves
B. Prominent U waves
C. Elevated ST segments
D. Wide QRS complex

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Flattened T waves are the classic ECG finding in hypokalemia. Hypokalemia primarily affects the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential, leading to T wave abnormalities. While prominent U waves are typically associated with hypokalemia as well, flattened T waves are the most specific and sensitive ECG abnormality seen in hypokalemia. Elevated ST segments and wide QRS complexes are not typically seen in hypokalemia and are more indicative of other electrolyte imbalances or cardiac conditions.

4. A patient is receiving discharge instructions for GERD. Which of the following statements by the patient demonstrates an understanding of the teaching?

A. I should take my medication with orange juice.
B. Having a bedtime snack will prevent heartburn.
C. I will lie down after meals.
D. I will limit activities that require bending at the waist.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Patients with GERD should avoid activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as bending at the waist, as this can lead to reflux. Choice A is incorrect because medications for GERD are usually taken with water, not citrus juices. Choice B is incorrect as having a bedtime snack can worsen GERD symptoms. Choice C is incorrect because lying down after meals can also exacerbate reflux due to the effects of gravity.

5. A patient with chronic kidney disease may require dietary restrictions. Which of the following diets should the healthcare provider prescribe?

A. Low sodium diet
B. Potassium restricted diet
C. High phosphorus diet
D. High protein diet

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Patients with chronic kidney disease often require a potassium-restricted diet to help manage their electrolyte levels. Excessive potassium intake can be harmful to individuals with compromised kidney function. While monitoring sodium intake is also important for these patients, a low sodium diet is not specifically indicated in the question. High phosphorus diet and high protein diet are not recommended for individuals with chronic kidney disease as they can further stress the kidneys and worsen the condition.