A charge nurse on a neurological unit is making room assignments for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assign to the room closest to the nurses' station?

Choice A reason: Petechiae on the chest are small, red or purple spots caused by bleeding into the skin and may be associated with various conditions, including infections. However, they are not a common finding in meningitis. Meningitis typically presents with symptoms related to inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Choice B reason: Bradycardia, which is a slower than normal heart rate, is not a typical symptom of meningitis. While meningitis can affect various bodily functions, the classic symptoms are fever, headache, and neck stiffness, not changes in heart rate.

Choice C reason: Intermittent headache could be associated with meningitis, but the headaches that accompany meningitis are usually constant and severe due to the inflammation of the meninges. They are not typically described as intermittent.

Choice D reason: Photophobia, or light sensitivity, is a common finding in meningitis. The inflammation of the meninges can lead to an increased sensitivity to light, causing discomfort or pain when the patient is exposed to bright lights. This symptom, along with headache, neck stiffness, and fever, helps to distinguish meningitis from other conditions.

Choice A reason: The statement that "the spacer should make a whistling sound as you inhale" is not accurate. A whistling sound from the spacer may indicate that the air is being inhaled too quickly and that the user needs to slow down. The purpose of the spacer is to hold the medication released from the inhaler so that it can be inhaled more easily and effectively into the lungs, not to produce a whistling sound.

Choice B reason: Holding one's breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication allows for better deposition of the medication in the lungs. This pause gives the medication time to settle in the airways rather than being exhaled too quickly. It is a recommended practice to maximize the effectiveness of the inhaled medication.

Choice C reason: Cleaning the spacer is important to ensure that it works correctly and is free of any residue or debris that could obstruct the medication's path. However, the instruction to "clean the spacer daily with cold water" is incomplete. After rinsing with cold water, the spacer should be left to air dry without rinsing or wiping, as this can create static that affects medication delivery.

Choice D reason: Waiting 30 seconds between puffs is recommended to allow the user to breathe normally for a short period and to prepare for the next dose of medication. This time interval helps to ensure that the second puff is not rushed and that the medication from the first puff has had time to act.