Question

The nurse is caring for an 80-year-old client who presented to the emergency department in a coma. Which question does the nurse ask the client's family to help determine whether the coma is related to a brain attack?

a."How many hours does your mother usually sleep at night?"
b."Did your mother complain recently of weakness in her lower extremities?"
c."Is any history of seizures known among your mother's immediate family?"
d."Does your mother drink any alcohol or take any medications?"

Answer 1

The nurse should ask the client's family if the client had complained of weakness in her lower extremities option (b) recently to help determine if the coma is related to a brain attack.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should ask the client's family the question: option (b) Did your mother complain recently of weakness in her lower extremities?

This question is important because weakness in the lower extremities can be a sign of a brain attack, also known as a stroke. When a stroke occurs, blood flow to the brain is interrupted, leading to neurological deficits and possible coma. Weakness in the lower extremities can indicate that a specific area of the brain responsible for controlling movement and sensation is affected.

Other questions mentioned, such as sleep patterns, history of seizures, and alcohol or medication use, can provide additional information but may not directly help determine if the coma is related to a brain attack.