A nurse is caring for a client who had a stroke involving the left cerebral hemisphere. The nurse should monitor for which of the following findings?

Choice A reason: Placing suction equipment at the client’s bedside is a necessary action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. Acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is responsible for hearing and balance. It can also affect the adjacent cranial nerves, such as the glossopharyngeal (CN IX) and the vagus (CN X) nerves, which are involved in swallowing and gagging. A client with acoustic neuroma may have difficulty swallowing and clearing secretions, which can increase the risk of aspiration and respiratory infections. The nurse should have suction equipment ready to remove any excess saliva or mucus from the client’s mouth or throat.

Choice B reason: Avoiding the use of warm water to wash the client’s face is not a relevant action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. The temperature of the water does not affect the function of these nerves or the tumor. The nurse should use gentle and appropriate hygiene measures to clean the client’s face and prevent skin breakdown.

Choice C reason: Providing range of motion exercises to the client’s neck and shoulders is not a priority action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. Range of motion exercises can help to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness, but they are not directly related to the cranial nerve impairment or the tumor. The nurse should consult with a physical therapist to determine the best exercise regimen for the client.

Choice D reason: Applying an eye patch to the client’s right eye is not a helpful action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. An eye patch is used to protect the eye from injury or infection, or to treat conditions such as strabismus or amblyopia. An eye patch does not affect the function of the cranial nerves IX and X or the tumor. The nurse should monitor the client’s eye movements and vision, as acoustic neuroma can also affect the facial (CN VII) and oculomotor (CN III) nerves, which are involved in blinking and eye movement.

Choice A reason: "I will be able to tell how much oxygen I'm getting by looking at the flowmeter." This statement is correct because the flowmeter shows the amount of oxygen delivered in liters per minute. The client should check the flowmeter regularly and adjust it according to the prescription.

Choice B reason: "I should call my doctor if I find it harder to concentrate." This statement is correct because difficulty concentrating can be a sign of low oxygen levels or carbon dioxide retention. The client should monitor their symptoms and report any changes to their doctor.

Choice C reason: "I will wear synthetic clothing and woolen socks when using my oxygen." This statement is incorrect because synthetic clothing and woolen socks can create static electricity and increase the risk of fire when using oxygen. The client should wear cotton clothing and avoid materials that can cause sparks.

Choice D reason: "I will make sure my visitors smoke outside." This statement is correct because smoking near oxygen can cause a fire or explosion. The client should keep oxygen away from open flames, smoking materials, and heat sources.