A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who has manifestations of an ischemic stroke that began 2 hr ago. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Rationale: A. Initiate fibrinolytic therapy: Fibrinolytic therapy, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), is most effective when administered within a 3- to 4.5-hour window from the onset of ischemic stroke symptoms. Early administration can dissolve the clot, restore cerebral blood flow, and improve neurological outcomes. B. Place the client in a supine position: Clients with ischemic stroke are usually positioned with the head of the bed elevated 15–30 degrees unless contraindicated. Supine positioning can increase intracranial pressure and risk aspiration, which may worsen neurological status. C. Prepare the client for a chest x-ray: A chest x-ray is not a priority in acute ischemic stroke management. Immediate neuroimaging, typically a CT scan, is required to differentiate ischemic from hemorrhagic stroke before initiating fibrinolytic therapy. D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter: Inserting a catheter is not indicated as an initial intervention for acute stroke unless the client is unable to void or requires strict output monitoring. Priority actions focus on neuroprotection and reperfusion therapy.