A nurse is meeting with the caregivers of a client who has Alzheimer's disease who is at risk for wandering. Which of the following are manifestations that put the client at risk for wandering that the nurse should educate their caregivers about?

A. Diminished hair growth on the lower extremities: Diminished hair growth on the lower extremities is not typically a manifestation of peripheral venous disease. Instead, it may suggest poor circulation or arterial insufficiency.

B. Loss of pigmentation over the shin area: Loss of pigmentation over the shin area can occur in conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency, which is a form of peripheral venous disease. However, it is not the most characteristic manifestation.

C. Shiny appearance to the lower extremities: A shiny appearance to the lower extremities is often associated with arterial insufficiency rather than peripheral venous disease. It can indicate thinning of the skin due to poor circulation and oxygenation.

D. Swollen and enlarged veins: Swollen and enlarged veins, also known as varicose veins, are classic manifestations of peripheral venous disease. These veins result from venous insufficiency, which leads to blood pooling and increased pressure in the veins, causing them to dilate and become visibly enlarged.

A. Respiratory rate of 12/min: A respiratory rate of 12/min is within the normal adult range (12-20 breaths per minute). In the context of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), respiratory rate changes might be noted as part of the Cushing's reflex (which is characterized by bradycardia, hypertension, and abnormal respiratory patterns like Cheyne-Stokes or ataxic breathing), but a rate of 12/min on its own is not indicative of a worsening condition. However, if the patient begins to show signs of irregular or abnormal breathing patterns, this would raise concern.

B. Blood pressure of 108/74 mm Hg: This blood pressure is also within the normal range and does not suggest a worsening of intracranial pressure. In fact, ICP can lead to a rise in blood pressure (due to the body's compensatory mechanisms, known as Cushing's triad), along with bradycardia and abnormal respirations. Thus, a stable blood pressure like 108/74 mm Hg is not concerning in this context.

C. Changes to pupil size and shape: Changes in pupil size, shape, or reactivity are significant indicators of worsening intracranial pressure. Unequal pupils (anisocoria), sluggish or absent response to light, and fixed dilated pupils are signs of brainstem compression or damage, which often occur as ICP increases. This could indicate herniation or severe brain injury, which are worsening conditions.

D. Swelling of the optic nerve: Swelling of the optic nerve, or papilledema, is another important sign of increased intracranial pressure. It occurs due to increased pressure within the skull, which causes congestion and swelling of the optic disc. This finding can be seen on fundoscopy and indicates a worsening condition, as it suggests elevated pressure affecting the brain.

E. Decreasing Glasgow Coma scores: A decreasing Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is a critical indicator of worsening neurologic function in a patient with increased ICP. The GCS is used to assess a patient's level of consciousness, and a decreasing score suggests that the brain's function is deteriorating. This can be caused by worsening edema, brain herniation, or other severe neurological impairments associated with elevated ICP.