A client with a primary brain tumor is to receive radiation after undergoing surgery to remove the tumor. The nurse knows that they may not receive chemotherapy because of the following reason.

A. Kernig's sign is positive when there is pain and resistance to extending the leg at the knee when the hip is flexed, and Brudzinski's sign is positive when the client involuntarily flexes their knees and hips when the neck is flexed. These are both signs of meningeal irritation, which is characteristic of meningitis.

B. The patellar reflex is a deep tendon reflex that assesses the function of the L2-L4 spinal nerves. It is not specific to meningitis and would not be a primary indicator.

C. The pupillary reflex assesses the response of the pupils to light and is not specific to meningitis. It can be affected by various neurological conditions, but it is not a primary sign of meningitis.

D. Blumberg's sign is associated with peritonitis and indicates rebound tenderness in the abdomen. It is not related to meningitis, which affects the central nervous system rather than the abdominal cavity.

A. It must be hard to see your mother so ill and upset is a compassionate and empathetic response that acknowledges the son's distress while validating his feelings. This approach fosters open communication and emotional support, which is important for both the patient and their family.

B. Telling the son to sit quietly with his mother may invalidate his feelings and suggests that the solution is simply to wait for the mother to calm down. It does not acknowledge his emotional distress or provide the necessary support.

C. While offering to comfort the mother is kind, this response does not address the son’s emotional needs. It is important to support the family members as well, not just the patient.

D. "Your mother's crying seems to bother you more than it does her" is dismissive of the son's feelings and could make him feel misunderstood or judged. It does not provide the necessary emotional support for the son.