Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Test

After a patient experiences a brain stem infarction, which condition should the nurse observe for?

1. Aphasia

2. Bradypnea

3. Contralateral hemiplegia

4. Numbness and tingling to the face or arm

The correct answer is: Bradypnea

After a patient experiences a brain stem infarction, the nurse should observe for bradypnea. Bradypnea, or slow breathing, can be a common consequence of a brain stem infarction due to the involvement of the respiratory centers located in the brain stem. This condition can lead to respiratory compromise and potentially respiratory failure in severe cases. While aphasia, contralateral hemiplegia, and numbness and tingling to the face or arm are all possible neurological deficits that can occur with a stroke, they are not specifically associated with brain stem infarction. Understanding the unique manifestations of a brain stem infarction, such as bradypnea, is crucial for nurses to provide appropriate and timely interventions for their patients.