A 58-Year-Old Patient with a Left-Brain Stroke Suddenly Bursts into Tears

question 8

Multiple Choice

A 58-year-old patient with a left-brain stroke suddenly bursts into tears when family members visit.The nurse should

• A) use a calm voice to ask the patient to stop the crying behavior.
• B) explain to the family that depression is normal following a stroke.
• C) have the family members leave the patient alone for a few minutes.
• D) teach the family that emotional outbursts are common after strokes.

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Definitions:

Exogenous Opiates

Narcotics, which bind to receptor sites throughout the body, including the brain, spinal cord, and bloodstream, and reduce the body’s production of endogenous opiates.

Opioids

Also known as narcotics. A class of central nervous system depressants whose main effects are the reduction of pain and sleep inducement. Opium, the alkaloid from which opioids are derived, comes from the seeds of the opium poppy, which is indigenous to Asia and the Middle East.

Heroin

A narcotic substance derived from morphine, originating from the seed pods of opium poppy plants, known for its strong addictive properties and illegality.

Respiratory Failure

A medical condition in which the respiratory system fails in one or both of its gas exchange functions: oxygenation and carbon dioxide elimination.