A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a group of nursing students about possible psychosocial changes a client might have after sustaining a neurologic injury such as increased intracranial pressure. Which of the following psychosocial changes should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. A CT angiogram will reveal any edema within the brain tissue: CT angiography primarily focuses on visualizing blood vessels and blood flow within the brain. While it may incidentally detect areas of edema, its primary purpose is to assess vascular structures rather than brain tissue changes such as edema.

B. A CT angiogram will reveal any overproduction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): CT angiography does not assess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production. Its main function is to visualize blood vessels and blood flow within the brain, particularly to detect abnormalities such as aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, or vasospasm.

C. A CT angiogram will reveal any fractures within the skull or spine: CT angiography primarily focuses on imaging blood vessels and is not the preferred modality for detecting fractures within the skull or spine. CT scans or plain radiography are typically used to assess bony structures for fractures.

D. A CT angiogram will reveal any decreased blood flow related to vasospasm: This statement is correct. CT angiography is a specialized imaging technique that combines computed tomography (CT) scanning with contrast dye to visualize blood vessels and blood flow within the brain. It is commonly used to detect and monitor vasospasm, a potentially serious complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage, where blood vessels in the brain constrict, leading to decreased blood flow. CT angiography allows for the visualization of these changes in blood vessel diameter and blood flow dynamics.

A. Consume foods high in potassium: Potassium deficiency can contribute to certain health issues, but it is not directly linked to hearing loss. However, maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients, including potassium, is important for overall health.

B. Increase oral intake of water: Hydration is essential for overall health, but increasing oral intake of water is not specifically associated with decreasing the risk of hearing loss. While staying hydrated is beneficial for various bodily functions, including maintaining proper ear function, it is not a direct preventive measure for hearing loss.

C. Avoid smoking tobacco products: Smoking tobacco products is a significant risk factor for developing hearing loss. Smoking can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the inner ear, leading to hearing impairment. Therefore, advising clients to avoid smoking or quit smoking is an important lifestyle modification to decrease the risk of hearing loss.

D. Limit alcohol to two drinks daily: Excessive alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on hearing health, including increasing the risk of hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. Therefore, limiting alcohol intake is recommended to reduce the risk of developing hearing-related problems.