A nurse is caring for a client who has been experiencing repeated tonic-clonic seizures over the course of 30 minutes. After maintaining the client’s airway and turning the client on their side, which of the following medications should the nurse administer?

Choice A Reason:

Infection is a significant complication of a ventriculostomy drain. The presence of a foreign object in the brain increases the risk of infections such as meningitis or ventriculitis. Signs of infection can include fever, redness, swelling at the insertion site, and changes in mental status.

Choice B Reason:

Vomiting can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), which is a serious complication in clients with a traumatic brain injury and a ventriculostomy drain. Increased ICP can lead to further brain injury and requires immediate medical attention.

Choice C Reason:

Widening pulse pressure (the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure) can indicate increased intracranial pressure. This is a critical finding that should be reported immediately as it can signify worsening brain injury or other complications.

Choice D Reason:

Equal and reactive pupils are generally a normal finding and do not indicate a complication. This suggests that the brainstem is functioning properly and there is no significant increase in intracranial pressure affecting the cranial nerves.

Choice E Reason:

An intracranial pressure reading of 10 mm Hg is within the normal range (typically 7-15 mm Hg for adults). Therefore, this finding does not indicate a complication and does not require immediate reporting.

Choice A Reason:

Notifying the provider if you experience a stinging sensation following administration is not necessary. A mild stinging sensation is a common side effect of timolol eye drops and usually subsides quickly. However, if the stinging persists or is severe, it should be reported.

Choice B Reason:

Watching for a decreased heart rate while using this medication is important. Timolol is a beta-blocker, and one of its systemic side effects can be bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate). Patients should be aware of this potential side effect and monitor their heart rate regularly.

Choice C Reason:

Developing a harmless darkening of the iris is not associated with timolol. This side effect is more commonly linked to prostaglandin analogs, another class of medications used to treat glaucoma.

Choice D Reason:

Timolol does not cause the lashes of the affected eye to lengthen. This side effect is also associated with prostaglandin analogs, not beta-blockers like timolol.