A nurse is caring for a client who has multiple sclerosis. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Dispose of the client's feces and urine in a special container.

Choice A rationale:

This is the correct choice. Brachytherapy involves the placement of a radiation source in or near the tumor. To minimize radiation exposure to others, the client's bodily fluids (feces and urine) should be considered radioactive and disposed of properly in a designated container.

Choice B rationale:

While limiting the time of visitors can be a good measure to reduce radiation exposure, it is not the priority intervention. The primary concern is proper handling and disposal of radioactive bodily fluids.

Choice C rationale:

Keeping the client's linens in the room until after removal of the radiation source is not the correct choice. Radioactive linens should be handled and laundered separately, following appropriate safety protocols.

Choice D rationale:

Providing one dosimeter badge for staff to share while caring for the client is not adequate. Each staff member involved in direct care should have their dosimeter badge to monitor their individual radiation exposure levels.

Choice A rationale:

Severe headache can be a symptom of a subdural hematoma, but it is not the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status. Other symptoms may appear before a severe headache, such as an altered level of consciousness.

Choice B rationale:

Bradycardia can occur with a subdural hematoma, especially as intracranial pressure increases. However, it is not the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status. Changes in heart rate may occur later in the progression of the condition.

Choice C rationale:

Widened pulse pressure can also occur in patients with a subdural hematoma due to increased intracranial pressure. However, it is not the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status. Other neurological signs would likely appear before changes in pulse pressure are evident.

Choice D rationale:

Change in level of consciousness is the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status with a subdural hematoma. As intracranial pressure increases, the brain's functioning can be affected, leading to alterations in consciousness, ranging from mild confusion to unconsciousness.