A nurse is caring for a 65-year-old client who is receiving an intravenous infusion of alteplase (rtPA) for an acute ischemic stroke. Thirty minutes into the infusion, the client reports a sudden, severe headache, becomes intensely nauseous, and exhibits a new unilateral pupillary dilation. To reduce the risk of catastrophic neurological deterioration, arrange the following nursing actions in the correct priority order from first to last.
- 1Discontinue the intravenous alteplase infusion immediately.
- 2Assess airway patency, breathing, and hemodynamic stability.
- 3Notify the rapid response team and the neurologist.
- 4Transport the client for an emergent non-contrast head CT scan.
- 5Draw blood for a stat coagulation profile and type and screen.
Cevap
The correct sequence is to first stop the alteplase infusion, then assess the airway and hemodynamics, notify the healthcare team, send the client for an emergent CT scan, and finally draw blood for coagulation studies.
The physiological integrity of the client is best preserved by immediately eliminating the source of harm (stopping alteplase). Once the immediate risk is mitigated, the nurse secures the airway and stabilizes hemodynamics. Following stabilization, communicating with the medical team allows for orders that direct diagnostic confirmation (CT scan) and subsequent supportive care preparation (drawing blood for coagulation factors).
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Anahtar Kavram
Prioritization of interventions for life-threatening complications of fibrinolytic therapy requires immediately removing the causative agent before assessing ABCs and escalating care.