A client diagnosed with contact dermatitis is receiving education from the nurse. Which of the following therapies will the nurse recommend to the client?

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because encouraging coughing and deep breathing can increase intracranial pressure (ICP), which is the pressure inside

the skull that can affect brain function. Coughing and deep breathing can increase blood flow and oxygen demand to the brain, which can worsen cerebral edema. The nurse should suction the patient as needed and maintain a patent airway.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because positioning the patient with knees and hips flexed can increase ICP by reducing venous drainage from the head. The nurse should position the patient with neck and body in alignment and avoid extreme flexion or extension of any joints.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because performing nursing interventions once an hour can disturb the patient's sleep and increase ICP by stimulating brain activity. The nurse should cluster nursing interventions and provide quiet and dark environment to promote rest and reduce stress.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because keeping the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees can decrease ICP by facilitating venous drainage from the head and reducing cerebral blood volume. The nurse should monitor the patient's blood pressure and pulse to ensure adequate cerebral perfusion.

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because inability to recognize any words may indicate a problem with the auditory cortex, which is the part of the brain that processes sound, not the inner ear. The inner ear consists of the cochlea, which converts sound waves into nerve impulses, and the vestibular system, which helps with balance and orientation.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because loss of balance is a common symptom of an inner ear infection. An inner ear infection can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the vestibular system, which can disrupt the sense of equilibrium and cause vertigo, dizziness, or nausea.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because twitching of the cheek may indicate a problem with the facial nerve, which controls the muscles of facial expression, not the inner ear. The facial nerve runs close to the inner ear, but it is not part of it.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because lack of air sound may indicate a problem with the outer or middle ear, which transmit sound waves to the inner ear, not the inner ear itself. The outer ear consists of the pinna and the ear canal, and the middle ear consists of the eardrum and the ossicles.