A nurse is caring for a client who has spinal stenosis. Which of the following conditions should the nurse recognize as a risk factor for spinal stenosis?

A.Osmotic edema refers to fluid shifts due to changes in osmotic gradients (as seen in conditions like hyponatremia), not the inflammatory process of meningitis.

B.While inflammation is a key part of the body's response in meningitis, the edema is not a result of generalized whole-body inflammation. The edema is more directly linked to local inflammatory reactions in the brain triggered by the pathogen’s by-products.

C.Bacterial cell walls, endotoxins, and other components released by the bacteria directly stimulate inflammation, causing the breakdown of the BBB and allowing fluid and inflammatory cells to leak into the brain tissue.

D.This description is more aligned with the pathophysiology of conditions like hydrocephalus rather than meningitis. In meningitis, cerebral edema is primarily due to the inflammatory response, not abnormal CSF flow.

Choice A Reason:

Client responds to name is incorrect. Responding to one's name is a positive sign indicating consciousness and orientation. It suggests that the client's level of consciousness is relatively intact.

Choice B Reason:

Eyes open to painful stimuli is correct. Opening the eyes in response to painful stimuli is a concerning sign, indicating a decrease in consciousness and potentially worsening neurological status. It suggests that the client's level of arousal is diminishing and may indicate a decline in condition.

Choice C Reason:

Client states day of the week is correct. Oriented behavior, such as knowing the day of the week, is a positive sign indicating intact cognition and orientation. It suggests that the client's mental status is relatively preserved.

Choice D Reason:

Client is confused is correct. Confusion is a concerning sign, indicating altered mental status and potentially worsening neurological function. It suggests that the client's cognition is impaired, which may be indicative of a decline in condition.

Choice E Reason:

Client mumbles inappropriate words is correct. Mumbling inappropriate words suggests disorientation and altered mental status, which are concerning signs indicating a decline in neurological function.

Choice F Reason:

Eyes do not open to name is incorrect. Failure to open the eyes in response to verbal stimuli, such as one's name, is a concerning sign indicating a decrease in consciousness and potentially worsening neurological status. It suggests that the client's level of arousal is diminished and may indicate a decline in condition.