Question

A nurse is providing care to a client with high blood pressure who is at risk for decreased cerebral tissue perfusion. For which of the following would the nurse be alert?

a) Appropriate responses
b) Orientation to time
c) Slowed speech
d) Ability to follow directions

Answer 1

A nurse should be alert for slowed speech in a patient with high blood pressure at risk for decreased cerebral tissue perfusion, as it can indicate neurological deficits like a stroke. Rapid neurological assessments in emergent situations are vital for timely diagnosis and effective treatment to reduce disability.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse providing care to a client with high blood pressure who is at risk for decreased cerebral tissue perfusion should be alert for slowed speech. This symptom could indicate that the patient's cerebral perfusion is indeed compromised, leading to neurological deficits. Slowed speech can be a manifestation of a stroke or other cerebrovascular events caused by hypertension, and it requires prompt assessment and intervention.

In neurological emergencies, rapid assessment is crucial because timely diagnosis and management can significantly affect the outcome. For instance, identifying and treating a stroke quickly can help preserve brain function and reduce long-term disability.

To further explore the impacts, restrictions in cerebral blood vessels commonly affect language and gait. A blood vessel restriction in the cerebral cortex could impact language function, which lies within the domains of the Broca's area and Wernicke's area.