Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Test

What would be an appropriate response by the nurse when a patient's wife expresses concern that her husband might have had a stroke?

1. It's really too early to be concerned about that. Let's wait until the test results come back.

2. If it is a stroke, your husband is in the right hospital for treatment.

3. Yes, he does have symptoms of a stroke. That's what the tests will help us find out.

4. I'm going to get you some information to read about strokes and their treatment.

The correct answer is: Yes, he does have symptoms of a stroke. That's what the tests will help us find out.

In this scenario, the most appropriate response by the nurse when a patient's wife expresses concern that her husband might have had a stroke is option C. By acknowledging the wife's concern and stating that the symptoms her husband is experiencing are consistent with a stroke, the nurse shows empathy and provides reassurance that the appropriate steps are being taken to investigate further through tests. This response validates the wife's perception while also maintaining a professional and informative approach.