A nurse is caring for a client who has degenerative disc disease.
Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse understand might develop with this condition? (Select All that Apply)

Choice A rationale
Age is a non-modifiable risk factor for stroke. As people age, their risk of stroke increases. However, this is not something that can be changed or controlled.
Choice B rationale
Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that can increase the risk of stroke, particularly in children. However, it is not a modifiable risk factor because it is determined by the person’s genes.
Choice C rationale
Having a parent with cardiovascular disease can increase a person’s risk of stroke. However, this is a non-modifiable risk factor because it is determined by genetics.
Choice D rationale
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major modifiable risk factor for stroke. It can be controlled through lifestyle changes and medication.

Choice A rationale
Osmotic cerebral edema is a condition where water moves from the blood vessels into the brain due to changes in the concentration of particles in the blood. However, this is not the primary cause of cerebral edema in meningitis.
Choice B rationale

While inflammation can contribute to cerebral edema, it is not specific to the brain and does not affect the brain the most. In meningitis, the inflammation is primarily in the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain, and not the whole body.
Choice C rationale
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) does flow from the intraventricular space to the interstitial area of the brain, but this is a normal process and does not cause cerebral edema. In meningitis, the inflammation of the meninges can disrupt the normal flow and absorption of CSF, leading to an accumulation of fluid and increased intracranial pressure.
Choice D rationale
In meningitis, the inflammation and immune response to the infection can lead to an increase in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. This allows fluid and immune cells to enter the brain tissue, leading to cerebral edema. Additionally, the by-products of the pathogen that causes meningitis can directly damage the brain tissue and contribute to the edema.