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What topic should the nurse anticipate teaching a patient who had a brief episode of tinnitus, diplopia, and dysarthria with no residual effects?

A. Cerebral aneurysm clipping.
B. Heparin intravenous infusion.
C. Oral low-dose aspirin therapy.
D. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).

User Keshaw
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The nurse should teach the patient about oral low-dose aspirin therapy for reducing future stroke risk, as it correlates with the TIA symptoms the patient experienced.

Step-by-step explanation:

The brief episode of tinnitus, diplopia, and dysarthria with no residual effects described by the patient points towards a condition known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), characterized by temporary stroke-like symptoms that resolve within 24 hours. Considering the patient's experience and the nature of TIA as a warning sign for potential future strokes, the teaching focus by the nurse should be on preventive measures. Among the provided options, C. Oral low-dose aspirin therapy is the most fitting as it serves as an antiplatelet agent which can help reduce the risk of future TIAs or strokes by preventing blood clots from forming.

Aspirin is a common recommendation following a TIA once other causes such as a hemorrhage have been ruled out. Blood-thinning drugs like aspirin decrease the blood's tendency to clot, which is a contributing factor in both TIAs and thrombotic strokes. Therefore, the nurse should anticipate teaching about the value of aspirin therapy, recognizing signs of stroke using the mnemonic FAST, and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms reoccur.

User Albert Vila Calvo
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