A nurse is caring for a client who has asthma and allergies. The client asks the nurse about environmental influences they should avoid. The nurse should inform the client to avoid which of the following?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Right hemiparesis is not a common finding in clients who had a stroke involving the right hemisphere. Hemiparesis is the weakness or partial paralysis of one side of the body. It usually affects the opposite side of the body from the side of the brain that is damaged by the stroke. Therefore, a stroke in the right hemisphere would more likely cause left hemiparesis, not right hemiparesis.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Aphasia is not a common finding in clients who had a stroke involving the right hemisphere. Aphasia is the loss or impairment of language functions, such as speaking, understanding, reading, or writing. It usually affects the dominant hemisphere of the brain, which is the left hemisphere for most people. Therefore, a stroke in the right hemisphere would less likely cause aphasia, unless the person is lefthanded or ambidextrous.
Choice C reason: This is correct. Inability to recognize his family members is a common finding in clients who had a stroke involving the right hemisphere. This is a type of agnosia, which is the loss or impairment of the ability to recognize objects, people, sounds, shapes, or smells. The right hemisphere of the brain is responsible for processing visual and spatial information, as well as facial recognition. A stroke in this area can damage the ability to identify familiar faces, even those of close relatives or friends.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Difficulty reading is not a common finding in clients who had a stroke involving the right hemisphere. Reading is a language function that involves the recognition and comprehension of written words. It usually depends on the dominant hemisphere of the brain, which is the left hemisphere for most people. Therefore, a stroke in the right hemisphere would less likely cause difficulty reading, unless the person is lefthanded or ambidextrous.

Choice A reason: Placing suction equipment at the client’s bedside is a necessary action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. Acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is responsible for hearing and balance. It can also affect the adjacent cranial nerves, such as the glossopharyngeal (CN IX) and the vagus (CN X) nerves, which are involved in swallowing and gagging. A client with acoustic neuroma may have difficulty swallowing and clearing secretions, which can increase the risk of aspiration and respiratory infections. The nurse should have suction equipment ready to remove any excess saliva or mucus from the client’s mouth or throat.

Choice B reason: Avoiding the use of warm water to wash the client’s face is not a relevant action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. The temperature of the water does not affect the function of these nerves or the tumor. The nurse should use gentle and appropriate hygiene measures to clean the client’s face and prevent skin breakdown.

Choice C reason: Providing range of motion exercises to the client’s neck and shoulders is not a priority action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. Range of motion exercises can help to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness, but they are not directly related to the cranial nerve impairment or the tumor. The nurse should consult with a physical therapist to determine the best exercise regimen for the client.

Choice D reason: Applying an eye patch to the client’s right eye is not a helpful action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. An eye patch is used to protect the eye from injury or infection, or to treat conditions such as strabismus or amblyopia. An eye patch does not affect the function of the cranial nerves IX and X or the tumor. The nurse should monitor the client’s eye movements and vision, as acoustic neuroma can also affect the facial (CN VII) and oculomotor (CN III) nerves, which are involved in blinking and eye movement.