A nurse is admitting a patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage and expects to administer which of the following medications to decrease intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Choice A rationale
Swelling of the optic nerve, also known as papilledema, can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). However, it is not a direct indicator of a worsening neurological condition.
Choice B rationale
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a clinical tool used to assess a patient’s level of consciousness and neurological functioning. A decreasing GCS score indicates a worsening neurological condition, which could be due to increasing ICP12. Therefore, a decreasing GCS score is a direct indicator of a worsening neurological condition.
Choice C rationale
A blood pressure of 108/76 mm Hg is within the normal range and does not directly indicate a worsening neurological condition. However, drastic changes in blood pressure could potentially indicate a problem.
Choice D rationale

Changes in pupil size and shape can be a sign of increased ICP, but these changes are not specific to a worsening neurological condition. They could be due to various factors, including medication effects or damage to the cranial nerves.
Choice E rationale
A respiratory rate of 12/min is within the normal range for adults. Changes in respiratory patterns could potentially indicate a worsening neurological condition, but a rate of 12/min does not directly indicate this.

Choice A rationale
Patients with poorly controlled diabetes, such as those experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), are at an increased risk of developing peripheral neuropathy. High blood sugar levels can damage peripheral nerves over time.
Choice B rationale
Sleep apnea is not typically associated with an increased risk of developing peripheral neuropathy.
Choice C rationale
While hypertension can lead to a variety of health complications, it is not typically associated with an increased risk of developing peripheral neuropathy.
Choice D rationale
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect the nervous system, including the peripheral nerves, leading to peripheral neuropathy.
Choice E rationale

Untreated tuberculosis is not typically associated with an increased risk of developing peripheral neuropathy.
Choice F rationale
Chronic alcohol use can lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly of the B vitamins, which are essential for nerve health. This can result in peripheral neuropathy.