A nurse is caring for a client who has multiple sclerosis (MS). The client reports blurred vision, eye pain, and loss of color perception. Which of the following terms should the nurse use to document this finding?

Choice A reason:

This is a correct answer. Fever is a common symptom of meningitis, which is an inflammation of the meninges or the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Fever occurs due to the infection or immune response that causes meningitis, which can be bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic.

Choice B reason:

This is a correct answer. Photophobia is another common symptom of meningitis, which is an intolerance or sensitivity to light that causes eye pain or discomfort. Photophobia occurs due to the irritation of the optic nerve or cranial nerves that control the pupillary reflex by the inflamed meninges.

Choice C reason:

This is a correct answer. Nuchal rigidity is another common symptom of meningitis, which is stiffness or pain in the neck when flexing or extending it. Nuchal rigidity occurs due to the inflammation or spasm of the neck muscles by the inflamed meninges.

Choice D reason:

This is an incorrect answer. Positive Babinski sign is not a common symptom of meningitis, but rather a sign of upper motor neuron lesion or damage to the corticospinal tract that controls voluntary movement. Positive Babinski sign occurs when the big toe extends upward and the other toes fan out when stroking the sole of the foot with a blunt object.

Choice E reason:

This is a correct answer. Positive Brudzinski sign is another common symptom of meningitis, which is flexion of the hips and knees when flexing the neck forward. Positive Brudzinski sign occurs due to the irritation of the spinal nerve roots by the inflamed meninges.

Choice A reason:

This is an incorrect answer. Administering analgesics and antiemetics as prescribed is not an effective intervention to relieve the client's symptoms of headache, nausea, and vomiting due to meningitis. Analgesics and antiemetics can have adverse effects such as sedation, hypotension, or constipation, which can worsen the client's condition or mask signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The nurse should use non-pharmacological methods to relieve the client's symptoms and monitor their vital signs and neurological status.

Choice B reason:

This is an incorrect answer. Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees is not an effective intervention to relieve the client's symptoms of headache, nausea, and vomiting due to meningitis. Elevating the head of the bed can increase ICP by reducing venous drainage from the brain, which can worsen the client's condition or cause complications such as herniation or hydrocephalus. The nurse should keep the head of the bed flat or slightly elevated and avoid neck flexion or rotation.

Choice C reason:

This is an incorrect answer. Applying a cold compress to the forehead is not an effective intervention to relieve the client's symptoms of headache, nausea, and vomiting due to meningitis. A cold compress can cause vasoconstriction and reduce blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, which can worsen the client's condition or cause ischemia or infarction. The nurse should avoid applying cold or heat to the head and maintain a normal body temperature for the client.

Choice D reason:

This is a correct answer. Dimming the lights and reducing noise in the room is an effective intervention to relieve the client's symptoms of headache, nausea, and vomiting due to meningitis. Dimming the lights and reducing noise can decrease sensory stimulation and irritation of the optic nerve or cranial nerves that control the pupillary reflex by the inflamed meninges. The nurse should also provide a quiet and calm environment for the client and limit visitors and activities.