The nurse is caring for a client who complained of a severe headache prior to becoming unconscious. Which ordered diagnostic exam will best confirm the suspected cause of the loss of consciousness? A. CT scan B. Serum electrolytes C. EKG D. Protime

Short Answer

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Short answer: Based on the given options and the client's symptoms of a severe headache followed by a loss of consciousness, the most appropriate diagnostic exam to confirm the suspected cause would be a CT scan. This imaging technique will allow the healthcare provider to visualize the client's brain and identify any abnormalities, such as bleeding, a tumor, or a stroke, which might be causing the symptoms. The other exams (Serum electrolytes, EKG, and Protime) are less likely to directly confirm the cause of the symptoms in this situation.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the situation

The client complained of a severe headache before becoming unconscious. Our goal is to figure out which diagnostic exam will help us confirm the cause of this unconsciousness.
02

Evaluating option A: CT scan

A CT (Computed Tomography) scan is an imaging technique that helps examine the internal structures of the body. In this case, since the client has complained of a severe headache just prior to losing consciousness, a CT scan will allow the healthcare provider to visualize the client's brain and identify any abnormalities, such as bleeding, a tumor, or a stroke, that might be the cause of the client's headache and loss of consciousness.
03

Evaluating option B: Serum electrolytes

Serum electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, are substances that help maintain the body's balance of fluids. An imbalance in these electrolytes can cause various symptoms, such as muscle weakness or confusion. Although an imbalance might contribute to the client's headache, it is less likely to be the direct cause of the severe headache and subsequent loss of consciousness.
04

Evaluating option C: EKG

An EKG (Electrocardiogram) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. While an abnormal heart rhythm or other heart-related issue could potentially lead to a loss of consciousness, the client's primary complaint was a severe headache. Therefore, an EKG would likely not provide the most relevant information in this situation.
05

Evaluating option D: Protime

Protime, or prothrombin time, is a blood test that measures how long it takes blood to clot. Although clotting disorders could potentially contribute to a client's headache or other symptoms, the client's reported severe headache and subsequent unconsciousness indicate that a more targeted diagnostic exam is needed to determine the cause of their symptoms.
06

Choosing the best diagnostic exam

Based on the analysis of the options, the most appropriate diagnostic exam for this client would be: A. CT scan A CT scan will help determine any brain abnormalities, such as bleeding or a tumor, that may be causing the client's severe headache and subsequent loss of consciousness. The other exams are less likely to directly confirm the cause of the symptoms in this situation.

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