A nurse is caring for a client admitted with meningitis. The student nurse asks, "I know that the client has a lot of edemas in the brain, but what causes it?" Which of the following responses from the nurse best answers the student's question?

Choice A Reason:

Placing the client on clear liquids might not be appropriate in this situation because absent bowel sounds in the lower abdominal quadrants could indicate a more serious gastrointestinal issue such as ileus or bowel obstruction. Clear liquids may exacerbate these conditions and are not sufficient to address the underlying problem. Therefore, this option is not recommended until the cause of absent bowel sounds is identified and addressed.

Choice B Reason:

Performing a hemoccult blood test is not directly relevant to the situation described. Hemoccult tests are used to detect occult (hidden) blood in stool, which can be indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding. While it's important to assess for gastrointestinal bleeding in some cases, absent bowel sounds in the lower abdominal quadrants suggest a more immediate concern related to gastrointestinal motility rather than bleeding. Therefore, this option is not the most appropriate action at this time.

Choice C Reason:

Inserting a nasogastric tube is the most appropriate action in this scenario. Absent bowel sounds in a client with a spinal cord injury can indicate neurogenic bowel dysfunction, which may lead to abdominal distention and discomfort. Inserting a nasogastric tube can help decompress the stomach and intestines, reducing the risk of complications such as aspiration and providing relief from discomfort. It can also help manage gastrointestinal complications until further assessment and interventions can be implemented.

Choice D Reason:

Forcing the intake of fluids may not be appropriate without further assessment and could potentially worsen the client's condition if there is an underlying gastrointestinal issue leading to absent bowel sounds. Additionally, forcing fluids may not address the potential issue of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Choice A Reason:

"When did you have your last physical?": This question is relevant to assess the client's overall health status and identify any potential comorbidities or health conditions that may be associated with Parkinson's disease. However, it is not as crucial as asking about family history, which directly addresses the client's potential genetic predisposition to Parkinson's disease.

Choice B Reason:

"Do you have any family members with Parkinson's disease?" Parkinson's disease can have both genetic and environmental factors contributing to its development. While the exact cause of Parkinson's disease is not fully understood, having a family history of the condition is a significant risk factor. Individuals with first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, or children) who have Parkinson's disease have an increased risk of developing the condition themselves.

Choice C Reason:

"What kind of work do you do?": This question aims to gather information about the client's occupational history and potential exposure to environmental toxins or factors that may be associated with Parkinson's disease. Certain occupations or exposures to pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, or other toxins have been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. While occupational history is important, it is not as directly relevant to assessing the client's risk factors as asking about family history.

Choice D Reason:

"How much coffee do you drink every day?": Research has suggested that caffeine consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease or may potentially delay its onset. However, the evidence is not definitive, and the relationship between caffeine intake and Parkinson's disease is still not fully understood. While caffeine consumption may be a relevant factor to explore, especially if the client has a high intake of coffee, it is not as critical as inquiring about family history, which directly addresses genetic predisposition to Parkinson's disease.