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    Sp26 504w advanced med surg proctored exam (Massachusetts college)

    A client is receiving an infusion of alteplase for treatment of an anterior-septal myocardial infarction. The nurse assesses the client and finds them to be disoriented to person, place, and time. What action by the nurse is best?

    Explanation & Rationale

    A. Obtain a STAT electrocardiogram (EKG).: An EKG evaluates cardiac rhythm and ongoing ischemic changes but does not assess neurological status. New disorientation during alteplase infusion raises concern for intracranial hemorrhage. Cardiac monitoring is important, but it does not address the immediate neurologic emergency suggested by acute mental status changes. B. Call the primary health care provider immediately.: Alteplase is a fibrinolytic that increases the risk of bleeding, including intracranial hemorrhage. Sudden confusion and disorientation are early neurologic signs that may indicate cerebral bleeding. Immediate provider notification is critical so the infusion can be stopped and urgent neuroimaging, such as a CT scan, can be initiated to evaluate for hemorrhage. C. Prepare the client for percutaneous cardiac intervention (PCI).: PCI is considered if thrombolytic therapy fails or if there is persistent ischemia. Disorientation is not an indication of failed reperfusion but rather a potential bleeding complication. Preparing for PCI would delay evaluation of a potentially life-threatening neurologic event. D. Obtain STAT cardiac enzymes.: Cardiac enzymes help evaluate myocardial injury but are not useful in assessing acute neurologic deterioration. Elevated enzymes confirm myocardial infarction but do not explain sudden changes in mental status. The priority is evaluating for a hemorrhagic complication related to thrombolytic therapy.

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