A nurse is caring for a client with a myocardial infarction. The client questions the need for cardiac rehabilitation since "my heart is already damaged." Which of the following is the appropriate nursing response?

Choice A reason: Administering an antipyretic is not the next action that the nurse should initiate. An antipyretic is a medication that lowers fever, which is a common symptom of meningococcal meningitis. However, fever is not a life-threatening condition, and it may have some beneficial effects on fighting infection. The nurse should first prioritize other actions that are more urgent or critical for the client's safety and outcome.

Choice B reason: Decreasing environmental stimuli is not the next action that the nurse should initiate. Decreasing environmental stimuli is a nursing intervention that can help reduce agitation, confusion, or seizures in clients with meningococcal meningitis. However, it is not an immediate or essential action, and it may not be effective if the client's condition worsens or progresses to coma.

Choice C reason: Assessing the cranial nerves is the next action that the nurse should initiate. Cranial nerve assessment is a neurological examination that evaluates the function of 12 pairs of nerves that originate from the brainstem and control various sensory and motor functions, such as vision, hearing, smell, taste, facial expression, eye movement, swallowing, speech, and balance. Meningococcal meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, which are the membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningeal inflammation can compress or damage the cranial nerves, causing various signs and symptoms, such as headache, photophobia, diplopia, facial palsy, dysphagia, dysarthria, or nystagmus. Assessing the cranial nerves can help detect any neurological deficits or complications early, and guide appropriate interventions or referrals.

Choice D reason: Completing a vascular assessment is not the next action that the nurse should initiate. A vascular assessment is a physical examination that evaluates the blood flow and circulation in different parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, abdomen, or neck. It may include checking pulses, blood pressure, capillary refill, skin color, temperature, or edema. A vascular assessment may be relevant for some clients with meningococcal meningitis who develop septic shock or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which are serious conditions that affect blood vessels and clotting factors. However, these are not common or early manifestations of meningococcal meningitis, and they require more advanced or specialized assessments and treatments.

Choice A: Collaborate with a physical therapist to develop programs for injured employees to return to work. This is incorrect because this is a tertiary prevention strategy, not a secondary prevention strategy. Tertiary prevention aims to restore function and prevent disability or complications after an injury or illness has occurred.

Choice B: Help plant workers identify signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. This is correct because this is a secondary prevention strategy. Secondary prevention aims to detect and treat health problems early before they become more serious or chronic. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common occupational health problem that can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand and wrist. Early identification and treatment can prevent permanent nerve damage and disability.

Choice C: Organize an influenza immunization campaign. This is incorrect because this is a primary prevention strategy, not a secondary prevention strategy. Primary prevention aims to prevent disease or injury from occurring in the first place, by reducing exposure or risk factors. Influenza immunization can protect plant workers from getting infected by the flu virus and reduce the spread of the disease.

Choice D: Teach plant workers about proper lifting techniques. This is incorrect because this is also a primary prevention strategy, not a secondary prevention strategy. Proper lifting techniques can prevent musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains, strains, and herniated discs, by avoiding excessive stress on the spine and joints.