A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who had a stroke. The client has hemiplegia and occasional urinary incontinence. Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend?

Choice A reason: This is the best intervention, because offering the client a bedpan every 2 hr can help prevent urinary retention, bladder distension, and infection, which can worsen the incontinence. It can also help maintain the client's dignity and comfort, and promote bladder retraining.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect intervention, because limiting the client's daily fluid intake can cause dehydration, constipation, and urinary tract infection, which can aggravate the incontinence. The client should drink adequate fluids, unless the provider instructs otherwise.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect intervention, because requesting a prescription for an indwelling urinary catheter is not recommended for a client who has occasional urinary incontinence. An indwelling urinary catheter can increase the risk of infection, trauma, and obstruction, and interfere with the bladder function. The nurse should use other methods of bladder management, such as intermittent catheterization, external catheter, or incontinence pads.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect intervention, because ambulating the client to the bathroom every 30 min can be unrealistic, exhausting, and unsafe for a client who has hemiplegia, or paralysis of one side of the body, due to a stroke. The client may not be able to walk or transfer without assistance, and may fall or injure themselves. The nurse should assess the client's mobility and ability to use the bathroom, and provide appropriate aids and support.

Choice A reason: Unilateral weakness is an incorrect finding, because it is more indicative of a stroke or a brain tumor than encephalitis. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that can cause neurological symptoms, but they are usually bilateral and symmetrical.

Choice B reason: Stiff neck is a correct finding, because it is a sign of meningeal irritation, which can occur in encephalitis due to the involvement of the meninges (the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord).

Choice C reason: Photophobia is a correct finding, because it is another sign of meningeal irritation, which can cause sensitivity to light and sound.

Choice D reason: Epigastric pain is an incorrect finding, because it is not related to encephalitis. Epigastric pain is more likely to be caused by a gastrointestinal disorder, such as gastritis or peptic ulcer.

Choice E reason: Lethargy is a correct finding, because it is a sign of altered mental status, which can occur in encephalitis due to the damage to the brain tissue.