The client is scheduled for a functional assessment using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). The client asks the nurse, "What is the
purpose of the FIM?" Which nursing response is appropriate?

Choice A reason: Administering corticosteroids is not an action that the nurse implements to increase venous return, prevent stiffness, and maintain muscle strength and endurance because it is a medication that reduces inflammation and relieves acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, but does not affect the client's physical function or mobility.

Choice B reason: Turning and repositioning every 2 hours is not an action that the nurse implements to increase venous return, prevent stiffness, and maintain muscle strength and endurance because it is a nursing intervention that prevents pressure ulcers and promotes skin integrity, but does not enhance the client's circulation or muscle activity.

Choice C reason: Administering interferon is not an action that the nurse implements to increase venous return, prevent stiffness, and maintain muscle strength and endurance because it is a medication that modifies the immune system and delays the progression of multiple sclerosis, but does not improve the client's physical function or mobility.

Choice D reason: Encouraging range-of-motion exercises is an action that the nurse implements to increase venous return, prevent stiffness, and maintain muscle strength and endurance because it is a physical activity that improves the client's blood flow, flexibility, and muscle tone, as well as prevents contractures and spasticity.

Choice A reason: Administering an antipyretic is not the next action that the nurse should initiate because it does not address the priority problem of potential brain damage or death caused by meningococcal meningitis, which is a bacterial infection of the meninges that can rapidly progress to septic shock or disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Choice B reason: Decreasing environmental stimuli is not the next action that the nurse should initiate because it does not address the priority problem of potential brain damage or death caused by meningococcal meningitis, which can impair the function of the central nervous system and cause increased intracranial pressure, seizures, coma, or cranial nerve palsies.

Choice C reason: Assessing the cranial nerves is the next action that the nurse should initiate because it can provide vital information about the extent and severity of brain involvement caused by meningococcal meningitis, which can affect any or all of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves that control sensory and motor functions of the head and neck.

Choice D reason: Completing a vascular assessment is not the next action that the nurse should initiate because it does not address the priority problem of potential brain damage or death caused by meningococcal meningitis, which can cause inflammation and damage of blood vessels in various parts of the body, leading to ischemia, necrosis, or gangrenE.