A nurse is caring for a client who has multiple sclerosis (MS). The client reports blurred vision, eye pain, and loss of color perception. Which of the following terms should the nurse use to document this finding?

Choice A reason:

This is an incorrect answer. Administering analgesics and antiemetics as prescribed is not an effective intervention to relieve the client's symptoms of headache, nausea, and vomiting due to meningitis. Analgesics and antiemetics can have adverse effects such as sedation, hypotension, or constipation, which can worsen the client's condition or mask signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The nurse should use non-pharmacological methods to relieve the client's symptoms and monitor their vital signs and neurological status.

Choice B reason:

This is an incorrect answer. Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees is not an effective intervention to relieve the client's symptoms of headache, nausea, and vomiting due to meningitis. Elevating the head of the bed can increase ICP by reducing venous drainage from the brain, which can worsen the client's condition or cause complications such as herniation or hydrocephalus. The nurse should keep the head of the bed flat or slightly elevated and avoid neck flexion or rotation.

Choice C reason:

This is an incorrect answer. Applying a cold compress to the forehead is not an effective intervention to relieve the client's symptoms of headache, nausea, and vomiting due to meningitis. A cold compress can cause vasoconstriction and reduce blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, which can worsen the client's condition or cause ischemia or infarction. The nurse should avoid applying cold or heat to the head and maintain a normal body temperature for the client.

Choice D reason:

This is a correct answer. Dimming the lights and reducing noise in the room is an effective intervention to relieve the client's symptoms of headache, nausea, and vomiting due to meningitis. Dimming the lights and reducing noise can decrease sensory stimulation and irritation of the optic nerve or cranial nerves that control the pupillary reflex by the inflamed meninges. The nurse should also provide a quiet and calm environment for the client and limit visitors and activities.

Choice A reason:

This is an incorrect answer. Nystagmus is a condition that causes involuntary and rhythmic eye movements, which can affect vision and balance. Nystagmus can occur in some clients who have MS due to damage to the brainstem or cerebellum, but it does not cause eye pain or loss of color perception.

Choice B reason:

This is an incorrect answer. Diplopia is a condition that causes double vision, which can affect depth perception and coordination. Diplopia can occur in some clients who have MS due to damage to the cranial nerves or ocular muscles, but it does not cause eye pain or loss of color perception.

Choice C reason:

This is a correct answer. Optic neuritis is a condition that causes inflammation and demyelination of the optic nerve, which can affect visual acuity and color perception. Optic neuritis can occur in some clients who have MS due to damage to the optic nerve or chiasm, and it often causes blurred vision, eye pain, and loss of color perception.

Choice D reason:

This is an incorrect answer. Papilledema is a condition that causes swelling of the optic disc, which can affect peripheral vision and cause headaches. Papilledema can occur in some clients who have increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to various causes, such as brain tumors, meningitis, or hydrocephalus, but it is not a common finding in MS.