The nurse provides care for a client diagnosed with bronchitis. Which statement is most significant during the assessment of a client diagnosed with chronic bronchitis?

Choice A reason: Compression of white matter in the brain and spinal cord is not the best explanation because it is a condition that affects the transmission of nerve impulses, not the perception of sensory stimuli. White matter is the part of the nervous system that consists of myelinated axons, which are the extensions of nerve cells that carry electrical signals from one cell to another. Compression of white matter can be caused by various factors, such as tumors, trauma, or inflammation, and can result in symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or paralysis.

Choice B reason: Decreased levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain stem is not the best explanation because it is a condition that affects the regulation of muscle tone, not the perception of sensory stimuli. GABA is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical messenger that transmits signals between nerve cells. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means that it reduces the activity of the nerve cells that it binds to. GABA is mainly found in the brain stem, which is the part of the brain that connects the spinal cord to the cerebrum and cerebellum, and controls vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Decreased levels of GABA in the brain stem can cause symptoms such as spasticity, rigidity, or tremors.

Choice C reason: Decreased levels of neurotransmitters in the pons and medulla is not the best explanation because it is a condition that affects the coordination of movements, not the perception of sensory stimuli. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells. The pons and the medulla are parts of the brain stem that are involved in the control of voluntary and involuntary movements, such as chewing, swallowing, coughing, sneezing, and blinking. Decreased levels of neurotransmitters in the pons and the medulla can cause symptoms such as ataxia, dysarthria, dysphagia, or nystagmus.

Choice D reason: Edema and necrosis of the parietal lobe neurons is the best explanation because it is a condition that affects the processing of sensory stimuli, such as touch, pain, temperature, and position. The parietal lobe is the part of the cerebrum that is responsible for integrating and interpreting sensory information from different parts of the body. The parietal lobe is divided into two hemispheres, each corresponding to the opposite side of the body. A left-sided intracerebral hemorrhage is a condition where a blood vessel in the left parietal lobe ruptures, causing bleeding and swelling in the brain tissue. This can damage the neurons, which are the nerve cells that communicate with each other and form the basis of the nervous system. Edema and necrosis of the parietal lobe neurons can cause symptoms such as loss of sensation, neglect, or agnosia on the right side of the body.

Choice A reason: Hepatomegaly is not the expected finding because it is a condition where the liver is enlarged, which can be caused by various factors, such as infections, tumors, or cirrhosis. Hepatomegaly is not a common manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, which is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues in the body.

Choice B reason: Abdominal cramping pain is not the expected finding because it is a symptom that can be caused by various conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, appendicitis, or diverticulitis. Abdominal cramping pain is not a specific manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, although some clients may experience abdominal discomfort due to gastritis, pancreatitis, or peritonitis, which are possible complications of the disease.

Choice C reason: Whitish patches on the tongue are not the expected finding because they are a sign of oral candidiasis, which is a fungal infection that affects the mouth and throat. Oral candidiasis can be caused by various factors, such as weakened immune system, antibiotic use, or diabetes. Oral candidiasis is not a typical manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, although some clients may have oral ulcers, which are painful sores that appear on the lips, gums, or tongue.

Choice D reason: Arthritis with papular rash is the expected finding because it is a characteristic manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, which affects the joints and the skin. Arthritis is a condition where the joints are inflamed, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it is more common in the hands, wrists, and knees. Papular rash is a type of skin rash that consists of small, raised bumps that are red or purple. Papular rash can appear on any part of the body, but it is more common on the face, especially on the cheeks and the bridge of the nose. Papular rash is also known as malar rash or butterfly rash, because of its shape and location.