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:

Obtaining a hospital bed and keeping all four siderails up, may not be the best choice. While a hospital bed with siderails may be appropriate for some individuals with Parkinson's disease who are at high risk of falls, keeping all four siderails up continuously can potentially restrict mobility and independence. It's important to balance safety with the client's comfort and ability to move independently.

Choice B Reason:

Removing all throw rugs from the home is correct. Throw rugs can be tripping hazards, especially for individuals with mobility issues or balance problems. Removing throw rugs can reduce the risk of trips and falls within the home.

Choice C Reason:

Installing handrails in the bathroom is correct. Installing handrails in the bathroom, especially near the toilet and shower, can provide additional support and stability for individuals with Parkinson's disease when performing daily activities. This can help prevent falls in a potentially slippery environment.

Choice D Reason:

Ensuring adequate lighting along walking spaces is correct. Good lighting is crucial for individuals with Parkinson's disease to see obstacles and hazards clearly. Adequate lighting along walking spaces helps improve visibility and reduces the risk of falls, especially during nighttime or low-light conditions.

Choice E Reason:

Keeping walking areas free of clutter is correct. Clutter and obstacles in walking areas increase the risk of tripping and falling, particularly for individuals with Parkinson's disease who may have difficulty with balance and coordination. Keeping walking areas clear of clutter helps create a safer environment.

Choice A Reason:

A client with a decreased potassium level is incorrect. Hypokalemia (decreased potassium level) can cause various neurological symptoms, but it doesn't directly lead to osmotic cerebral edema.

Choice B Reason:

When plasma glucose levels are rapidly lowered, an osmotic gradient develops between the brain and plasma, which can lead to cerebral edema.Brain cells pull water from the plasma, resulting in widespread edema.

Choice C Reason:

While HbA1c is an important marker of diabetes control and may indicate poor long-term management, it does not directly relate to the acute metabolic derangements (e.g., rapid osmotic shifts, severity of acidosis) that predispose to cerebral edema in DKA.

Choice D Reason:

A client with an increased creatinine level is incorrect. Elevated creatinine levels typically indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration, but they don't directly cause osmotic cerebral edema.