A nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia. Which activity is altered as a result of this diagnosis?

Choice A rationale

Encouraging adequate water intake is important for overall health, but it does not directly address the client’s fear of undergoing an EEG. Adequate hydration can ensure better conduction of electrical signals, but it has no bearing on the client's anxiety related to a past electrocution incident. Therefore, it would not be effective in alleviating the client's specific fear regarding the EEG procedure.

Choice B rationale

Distracting the client’s attention from the test may temporarily reduce anxiety, but it does not address the underlying fear. The client’s fear stems from a misunderstanding of the EEG procedure, and distraction will not resolve this. It is more effective to provide factual information to dispel the fear.

Choice C rationale

Informing the client that they will not experience any electrical shock is a crucial step in alleviating their fear. An EEG records brain activity through electrodes placed on the scalp; it does not involve sending electrical currents into the body. Clarifying this fact helps address the root cause of the client’s fear, providing reassurance and reducing anxiety.

Choice D rationale

Informing the client that they will experience only mild electrical shock is incorrect and misleading. An EEG does not deliver any electrical shock to the client. Providing inaccurate information could increase the client’s anxiety and distrust. Proper education about the procedure's safety is essential for alleviating the client’s fear.

Choice A rationale

A 5% deficit in body weight compared to pre-illness weight and increased caloric need may indicate the need for nutritional intervention, but it is not specific to parenteral nutrition. Acute pancreatitis patients often have difficulty maintaining nutritional intake due to pain and digestive issues, but a 5% weight deficit alone isn't a definitive trigger for PN.

Choice B rationale

A significant risk of aspiration and decreased level of consciousness indicates the need for close monitoring and possibly intubation to protect the airway. However, this alone doesn't necessitate parenteral nutrition unless it is combined with the inability to consume adequate nutrition orally or enterally.

Choice C rationale

A calorie deficit, muscle wasting, and low electrolyte levels are serious concerns that warrant nutritional support, but the specific indicator for parenteral nutrition is the inability to meet nutritional needs through oral or enteral routes. PN is a method to provide nutrition when GI tract use is not possible or adequate.

Choice D rationale

Inability to take adequate oral food or fluids within 7 days is a clear indication for parenteral nutrition. For patients with acute pancreatitis who cannot tolerate oral or enteral feeding, PN ensures they receive the necessary nutrients to support recovery and prevent further complications.