A 58-year-old patient with a left-brain stroke suddenly bursts ...

[Evvie72]

A 58-year-old patient with a left-brain stroke suddenly bursts into tears when family members visit. The nurse should
 
  a. use a calm voice to ask the patient to stop the crying behavior.
  b. explain to the family that depression is normal following a stroke.
  c. have the family members leave the patient alone for a few minutes.
  d. teach the family that emotional outbursts are common after strokes.

Question 2

Several weeks after a stroke, a 50-year-old male patient has impaired awareness of bladder fullness, resulting in urinary incontinence. Which nursing intervention will be best to include in the initial plan for an effective bladder training program?
 
  a. Limit fluid intake to 1200 mL daily to reduce urine volume.
  b. Assist the patient onto the bedside commode every 2 hours.
  c. Perform intermittent catheterization after each voiding to check for residual urine.
  d. Use an external condom catheter to protect the skin and prevent embarrassment.

[vickybb89]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Patients who have left-sided brain stroke are prone to emotional outbursts that are not necessarily related to the emotional state of the patient. Depression after a stroke is common, but the suddenness of the patient's outburst suggests that depression is not the major cause of the behavior. The family should stay with the patient. The crying is not within the patient's control and asking the patient to stop will lead to embarrassment.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Developing a regular voiding schedule will prevent incontinence and may increase patient awareness of a full bladder. A 1200 mL fluid restriction may lead to dehydration. Intermittent catheterization and use of a condom catheter are appropriate in the acute phase of stroke, but should not be considered solutions for long-term management because of the risks for urinary tract infection (UTI) and skin breakdown.

[Evvie72]

Excellent

[rachel]

TYSM