A nurse is completing discharge teaching with a client who has a new diagnosis of AIDS. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A reason: Papilledema, which is the swelling of the optic disc due to increased ICP, is not typically an early sign. It is usually a later manifestation because it takes time for the pressure to build up and affect the optic nerve.

Choice B reason: Restlessness can be an early sign of increased ICP. As ICP begins to rise, it can cause subtle changes in a person's level of consciousness, leading to agitation or restlessness. This is often one of the first signs that healthcare providers notice when monitoring for changes in neurological status.

Choice C reason: Projectile vomiting may occur with increased ICP, but it is not usually an early sign. It tends to occur after other symptoms such as headache and altered consciousness and is more indicative of significant pressure increases that affect the brainstem.

Choice D reason: Decorticate posturing is a severe sign of brain injury associated with increased ICP but is not an early sign. It indicates significant damage to the brain and is a late and ominous sign in the progression of increased ICP.

The correct answer is: c. Wear a surgical mask when providing care to the client.

Choice A: Perform a Mantoux skin test on the client

The Mantoux skin test is used to screen for tuberculosis, not pertussis. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. The Mantoux test would not be relevant or helpful in diagnosing or managing pertussis.

Choice B: Assign the client to a negative-pressure airflow room

Negative-pressure airflow rooms are typically used for airborne infections such as tuberculosis, measles, or varicella. Pertussis is primarily spread through respiratory droplets, not airborne transmission, so a negative-pressure room is not necessary.

Choice C: Wear a surgical mask when providing care to the client

Wearing a surgical mask is appropriate when caring for a client with pertussis. Pertussis is spread through respiratory droplets, and wearing a mask helps prevent the transmission of the bacteria to healthcare workers and other patients.

Choice D: Recommend that the client’s family members receive antiviral therapy

Antiviral therapy is not effective against pertussis, which is a bacterial infection. Instead, antibiotics such as azithromycin or erythromycin are used to treat pertussis and prevent its spread. Therefore, recommending antiviral therapy would not be appropriate.