After completing a thorough neurological and physical assessment of a patient who is admitted for a suspected stroke, a medical-surgical nurse anticipates the next step in the immediate care of this patient to include:
- 1- administering tissue plasminogen activator.
- 2- obtaining a computed tomography scan of the head without contrast.
- 3- obtaining a neurosurgical consultation.
- 4- preparing for carotid Doppler ultrasonography.
The next step in the immediate care of a patient who is admitted for a suspected stroke is to obtain a computed tomography (CT) scan of the head without contrast, as indicated by option 2. This is the most important diagnostic test for evaluating patients with suspected stroke, as it can help to determine the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), the location of the stroke, and the extent of brain damage.
Thrombolytic therapy, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), is a medication that can dissolve blood clots in the brain, but it is only effective for ischemic strokes and must be administered within a few hours of the onset of symptoms. Therefore, it is important to obtain a CT scan of the head as soon as possible to determine if the patient is a candidate for tPA.
A neurosurgical consultation may be obtained depending on the results of the CT scan and the patient's neurological status. Carotid Doppler ultrasonography is a non-invasive test that can be used to assess the blood flow in the carotid arteries, which are the main arteries that supply blood to the brain. It is typically performed to determine if there is any significant narrowing or blockage of these arteries, which could be a risk factor for stroke.
So, the answer is 2. obtaining a computed tomography scan of the head without contrast.
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Medical Surgery