A patient admitted with possible stroke has been aphasic for 3 hours and has a current blood pressure (BP) of 174/94 mm Hg. Which order by the health care provider should the nurse question?

A. Confusion: While confusion may occur in some neurological conditions, it is not directly associated with a positive Romberg test result.

B. Aphasia: Aphasia refers to difficulty with language and communication and is typically associated with brain injury or stroke, not with a positive Romberg test result.

C. Pain: Pain is not directly assessed by the Romberg test. However, a positive Romberg test result may indicate sensory ataxia, which can contribute to difficulty with proprioception and coordination, potentially leading to increased risk of injury and pain.

D. Falls: A positive Romberg test result indicates impaired proprioception and balance,
increasing the risk of falls, especially in older adults or individuals with neurological conditions. This is the expected problem associated with a positive Romberg test result.

The client is most likely experiencing meningitis based on the following clinical manifestations:

1. Symptoms: The client presents with a 2-day history of lethargy, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, headache, general muscle aches, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sore throat, sensitivity to light, and intermittent nystagmus. These symptoms are consistent with the classic signs of meningitis, including headache, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and altered mental status.
2. Physical Examination Findings: The physical examination reveals a fever (temperature of 38.9°C or 102°F), elevated heart rate (118/min), and signs of meningeal irritation such as neck stiffness (not directly mentioned but implied by headache and sensitivity to light). Additionally, a pinpoint, red, macular rash on the upper chest may indicate petechiae, which can be seen in meningococcal meningitis.

Given the suspicion of meningitis, the nurse should take the following actions:

1. Implement seizure precautions: Meningitis can lead to increased intracranial pressure and neurological complications, including seizures. Implementing seizure precautions involves ensuring the client's safety by padding the side rails of the bed, keeping the bed in a low position, and providing close observation.
2. Dim the lights in the client’s room: The client reports sensitivity to light, which is a common symptom of meningitis due to meningeal irritation. Dimming the lights can help reduce discomfort and photophobia in the client.

Parameters to Monitor:

1. Neurologic status: Monitoring the client's neurologic status is crucial for assessing the progression of meningitis and detecting any neurological deterioration, such as changes in level of consciousness, motor deficits, or signs of increased intracranial pressure.

2. Temperature: Monitoring the client's temperature is essential to assess for fever spikes or trends, which can indicate the severity of the infection and response to treatment.

Persistent or worsening fever may suggest inadequate treatment or complications such as abscess formation.