a patient recovering from a stroke has difficulty swallowing which action should the nurse prioritize
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Comprehensive Assessment B

1. A patient recovering from a stroke has difficulty swallowing. Which action should the nurse prioritize?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the patient on NPO (nothing by mouth) status. Patients recovering from a stroke with difficulty swallowing are at high risk for aspiration, which can lead to serious complications like aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, the priority is to keep the patient on NPO until a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider is completed. Choice A is incorrect as feeding the patient soft solids can increase the risk of aspiration. Choice C is incorrect as providing ice chips may further compromise swallowing safety. Choice D is incorrect as starting the patient on a clear liquid diet can also increase the risk of aspiration in this scenario.

2. A client in her first trimester of pregnancy is being taught by a nurse about over-the-counter medications that belong to pregnancy risk category B. Which of the following medications should the nurse include?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Acetaminophen is the correct choice as it belongs to pregnancy risk category B, making it considered safe during pregnancy. Naproxen, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen are not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, as they are classified in higher-risk categories which may be harmful to the developing fetus.

3. A patient is admitted with signs of stroke. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse anticipate as the priority?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A CT scan is the priority diagnostic test to identify and confirm the location and severity of a stroke.

4. A nurse is preparing to perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Instructing the client to remain still once the gel pads are attached is crucial to obtaining accurate ECG readings. Choice B is incorrect as electrodes are typically placed on the chest, not the breast. Choice C is incorrect because the client should lie flat during an ECG, not sit up. Choice D is incorrect because the client should breathe normally, rather than holding their breath, throughout the procedure.

5. A client is preparing for a surgical procedure but refuses to remove religious jewelry. What is the best course of action?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best course of action is to ask the client for permission to secure the jewelry. This respects the client's religious beliefs while also ensuring that the jewelry does not interfere during the surgical procedure. Proceeding with surgery without addressing the presence of the jewelry can lead to complications or distress for the client. Removing the jewelry without consent or postponing the surgery solely due to the presence of religious jewelry are not appropriate actions in this situation.

Similar Questions

Which nursing action will best promote patient safety when administering medications?
A patient is experiencing shortness of breath. What is the nurse's immediate action?
What are the key nursing interventions for a patient experiencing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
Which intervention is most effective in preventing postoperative complications?
A nurse is preparing a client for surgery. The client refuses to remove a religious medal. What is the nurse's best response?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses