What would you advise the patient and family to do when discharging patient home following a head injury?

Choice A: Encouraging lots of visitors is incorrect because it can increase the stimulation, stress, and noise level for the patient with a hemorrhagic stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding tissue. This can cause increased intracranial pressure, brain damage, or death. The patient needs to rest and avoid any factors that can raise their blood pressure or worsen their condition.

Choice B: Out of bed with lots of walking in the halls is incorrect because it can also increase the risk of complications for the patient with a hemorrhagic stroke. The patient may have impaired mobility, balance, or coordination due to the brain injury. They may also have weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the body. The patient needs to be assessed and assisted with their activity level and safety precautions.

Choice C: Nonstimulating, nonstressful environment; dim lighting, visitors are restricted is correct because it can help reduce the intracranial pressure and promote healing for the patient with a hemorrhagic stroke. The patient needs to have a quiet, calm, and comfortable environment that minimizes sensory input and emotional distress. The patient also needs to have limited and supervised visitors who are supportive and respectful of their needs.

Choice D: All of the above are incorrect because only choice c) is appropriate for the patient with a hemorrhagic stroke. Choices a) and b) are contraindicated and can harm or hinder the patient's recovery. The nurse should provide individualized and evidence-based care for the patient with a hemorrhagic stroke and follow the guidelines and protocols for stroke management.

Choice A: Maintenance of patent airway is correct because it is the most essential and urgent intervention on all head injury patients. A patent airway means that the airway is clear and open for breathing. A head injury can cause obstruction, swelling, bleeding, or paralysis of the airway, leading to hypoxia, brain damage, or death. The nurse should assess and secure the airway as the first step in the primary survey and provide oxygen, suction, or intubation as needed.

Choice B: Maintenance of skin integrity is incorrect because it is not the priority intervention on all head injury patients. Skin integrity means that the skin is intact and free of wounds, infections, or pressure injuries. A head injury can cause skin breakdown, especially in immobilized or unconscious patients. The nurse should prevent and treat skin problems as part of the secondary survey and provide wound care, hygiene, or pressure relief as needed.

Choice C: Prevention of sleep deprivation is incorrect because it is not the priority intervention on all head injury patients. Sleep deprivation means that the patient does not get enough quality or quantity of sleep. A head injury can cause sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, hypersomnia, or altered sleep-wake cycle. The nurse should promote sleep hygiene and rest as part of the ongoing care and provide a quiet, dark, and comfortable environment as needed.

Choice D: Fluid and electrolyte balance is incorrect because it is not the priority intervention on all head injury patients. Fluid and electrolyte balance means that the patient has adequate and stable levels of fluids and minerals in the body. A head injury can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances, such as dehydration, overhydration, or hyponatremia. The nurse should monitor and regulate fluid and electrolyte status as part of the ongoing care and provide oral or intravenous fluids, medications, or dietary modifications as needed.