CNRN Neurovascular Disorders and Stroke Nursing 3

Question 1

Which intervention is the priority when a patient with known atrial fibrillation presents with acute ischemic stroke symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Obtain non-contrast CT of the head to rule out hemorrhage

Answer

Non-contrast CT of the head must be obtained immediately to differentiate ischemic from hemorrhagic stroke before any treatment is initiated.

Question 2

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is defined as a focal neurological deficit that resolves within:

Accepted Answer

24 hours with no infarction on imaging

Answer

A TIA is a focal neurological deficit lasting less than 24 hours with no evidence of acute infarction on imaging.

Question 3

The nurse is educating a patient discharged after TIA about secondary stroke prevention. Which lifestyle modification has the MOST impact on reducing recurrent stroke risk?

Accepted Answer

Smoking cessation

Answer

Smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for stroke; cessation substantially reduces the risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events.

Question 4

Which imaging modality is MOST sensitive for detecting acute ischemic stroke within the first hours of onset?

Accepted Answer

Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI)

Answer

Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) detects cytotoxic edema within minutes of ischemic injury and is far more sensitive than CT in the hyperacute phase.

Question 5

A patient with hemorrhagic stroke has a serum sodium of 126 mEq/L. The nurse identifies this as:

Accepted Answer

Cerebral salt-wasting syndrome (CSWS) or SIADH, both causing hyponatremia

Answer

Both CSWS and SIADH cause hyponatremia after hemorrhagic stroke; distinguishing them by volume status guides treatment.

CNRN Test Practice Test

CNRN Test Practice Test

CNRN Neurovascular Disorders and Stroke Nursing 3