A nurse is assessing a client with suspected meningitis.

Which of the following signs would be most indicative of meningitis?

Choice A rationale
Decreasing coronary artery constriction by giving aspirin is a primary objective in managing unstable angina. Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of clot formation and improving blood flow in the coronary arteries. This helps to alleviate chest pain and prevent myocardial infarction.
Choice B rationale
Increasing afterload for the left ventricle to maximize cardiac output is not a desirable objective in managing unstable angina. Increasing afterload would increase the workload on the heart, which is counterproductive in patients with angina. The goal is to reduce the heart’s workload and improve blood flow.
Choice C rationale
Increasing preload to reduce overall cardiac workload is not a primary objective in managing unstable angina. Increasing preload would increase the volume of blood returning to the heart, potentially worsening symptoms. The focus is on reducing myocardial oxygen demand and improving coronary perfusion.
Choice D rationale
Reducing arterial inflammation by administering statins is a long-term strategy for managing cardiovascular disease, but it is not the immediate objective in managing unstable angina.
Statins help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation, but the immediate goal in unstable angina is to relieve chest pain and prevent myocardial infarction.

Choice A rationale
Cerebral edema is the swelling of the brain due to fluid accumulation, which can occur after excessive alcohol consumption. However, it is not related to myxedema, which is a condition associated with severe hypothyroidism.
Choice B rationale
The deposit of fatty tissue is associated with conditions like hyperaldosteronism, where there is an excess production of aldosterone. This condition does not cause the characteristic skin changes seen in myxedema.
Choice C rationale
Proliferation of tissue behind the eyes, known as exophthalmos, is common in hyperthyroidism, particularly in Graves’ disease. Myxedema, on the other hand, is related to severe hypothyroidism and involves different pathophysiological mechanisms.
Choice D rationale
Myxedema is characterized by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in the skin and other tissues, leading to swelling and thickening of the skin. This condition is a result of severe hypothyroidism and can lead to a myxedema crisis if left untreated.