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A physician orders several drugs for a client with hemorrhagic stroke. Which drug order should the nurse question?

a) Phenytoin (Dilantin)
b) Methyldopa (Aldomet)
c) Heparin sodium
d) Dexamethasone (Decadron)

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The nurse should question the order for Heparin sodium for a client with a hemorrhagic stroke due to the increased risk of bleeding that it poses. Other listed medications have other roles in the management of stroke and its complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The drug order that the nurse should question for a client with a hemorrhagic stroke is Heparin sodium. Heparin is an anticoagulant which is generally contraindicated in cases of hemorrhagic stroke because it could worsen bleeding. Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by a vessel rupturing and bleeding into the brain, and anticoagulants, such as Heparin, can increase the risk of further bleeding.

On the other hand, Phenytoin (Dilantin) is often used to control seizures which may accompany a stroke. Methyldopa (Aldomet) might be used to control high blood pressure, and Dexamethasone (Decadron) could be used to reduce inflammation and cerebral edema.

It is essential in stroke management to differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes because treatments for the two vary significantly. Thrombolytic agents are indicated in ischemic strokes, but they are contraindicated in hemorrhagic strokes due to the risk of increasing cerebral hemorrhage.

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