ECCO Caring for Patients with Neurologic Disorders: Part 2

What is the initial drug of choice for a patient with ischemic stroke who is not eligible for fibrinolysis with rtPA with a BP greater than 220/120 mm Hg? - ANSWER-Labetalol (Trandate) A patient developed a sudden severe headache, trouble seeing out of the right eye, and unilateral weakness of the right leg. She was last seen normally 5 hours ago. Which of these should the nurse initially anticipate? - ANSWER-Performing a non-contrast CT A patient has a subarachnoid hemorrhage. For which of the following electrolyte abnormalities should the nurse observe? - ANSWER-Sodium 130 mEq/L (L) A patient is recovering from an ischemic stroke. Which of the following interventions should the nurse anticipate? - ANSWER-Collaborate with physical therapy to decrease falls risk. Stroke patients are at risk of falling. Early mobility in collaboration with rehabilitation specialists can improve neurologic and neuromuscular function. A patient with hypertension reports partial loss of vision in her left eye and numbness in her left arm. She does not have a headache. What process should the nurse suspect? - ANSWER-Ischemic stroke Patients with ischemic stroke typically present with focal deficits, but without headache. A patient has had two episodes of generalized tonic-clonic movement, each lasting 3-4 minutes, 5 minutes apart, without recovery to baseling neurologic status. What treatment is indicated? - ANSWER-Administration of lorazepam Benzodiazepines