A nurse is providing community screening for risk factors ...

[Marty]

A nurse is providing community screening for risk factors associated with stroke. Which client would the nurse identify as being at highest risk for a stroke?
 
  a. A 27-year-old heavy cocaine user
  b. A 30-year-old who drinks a beer a day
  c. A 40-year-old who uses seasonal antihistamines
  d. A 65-year-old who is active and on no medications

Question 2

A client has an intraventricular catheter. What action by the nurse takes priority?
 
  a. Document intracranial pressure readings.
  b. Perform hand hygiene before client care.
  c. Measure intracranial pressure per hospital policy.
  d. Teach the client and family about the device.

[chereeb]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Heavy drug use, particularly cocaine, is a risk factor for stroke. Heavy alcohol use is also a risk factor, but one beer a day is not considered heavy drinking. Antihistamines may contain phenylpropanolamine, which also increases the risk for stroke, but this client uses them seasonally and there is no information that they are abused or used heavily. The 65-year-old has only age as a risk factor.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
All of the actions are appropriate for this client. However, performing hand hygiene takes priority because it prevents infection, which is a possibly devastating complication.

[Marty]

TYSM

[Sarahjh]

Excellent