Exam 23: Care of Patients with Disorders of the Brain

The nurse is assessing a patient on intravenous (IV)phenytoin (Dilantin).Which assessment finding is most concerning to the nurse?

The nurse is providing medication teaching to a patient with epilepsy who is taking phenytoin (Dilantin).Which statement best indicates that the nurse's teaching has been successful?

The nurse is caring for a stroke patient who is experiencing homonymous hemianopsia.The patient asks if he is going to have any limitations when discharged from the hospital.The nurse anticipates the patient will be restricted from what activity?

Which nursing intervention best encourages self-feeding in a patient with right-sided paralysis after a CVA?

The nurse is caring for a patient who recently suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).Family members ask the nurse why their father had a seizure.Which response is best for the nurse to make?

A patient was recently diagnosed as having Bell palsy.Which nursing intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the patient's care plan?

The nurse is writing the care plan for a cerebrovascular accident (CVA)patient who has partial left-sided paralysis and is experiencing ataxia.Which intervention is most beneficial for this patient?

Which condition(s)may cause seizures?

The nurse is providing teaching to a patient newly diagnosed with simple partial seizure disorder.Which statement by the nurse is most accurate?

The nurse reinforces the information given by the physician that endarterectomy as an intervention for stroke prevention is reserved for people who have carotid obstruction of greater than what percentage?

A patient diagnosed with a primary brain tumor asks the nurse if this is a common disease.Which response is most appropriate for the nurse to make?

The nurse is caring for an adult patient with a history of seizures.In the event of a seizure,the nurse should document which information?

Following a craniotomy for the removal of a brain tumor,the patient exhibits nuchal rigidity,rash on the chest,headache,and a positive Brudzinski sign.What do these assessment findings indicate to the nurse?

The patient with a right-sided paralysis from a stroke becomes frustrated when attempting to self-feed.He throws the spoon at the nurse and begins to cry.What nursing action(s)is/are most appropriate at this time?

The nurse is caring for a patient with brain tumor-related hydrocephalus who is scheduled to undergo placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (V-P)shunt.Which information is most important for the nurse to include when explaining the purpose of the procedure?

The patient reports intense intermittent headaches over the last 6 months that are preceded by specific symptoms.What symptom is the patient most likely experiencing?

The nurse is completing a care plan for a stroke patient who is at risk for impaired physical mobility.Which interventions should the nurse include in the care plan?

The nurse is caring for an anxious 20-year-old college student who just suffered his first seizure in his dorm room.The patient asks the nurse if he is now an epileptic.What is the nurse's best response?

The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with a transient ischemic attack (TIA).A carotid ultrasound reveals a 40% obstruction.The nurse anticipates that the treatment will likely consist of which factor(s)?

Which symptom is a key sign of a brain tumor?