A nurse is monitoring a client who has a traumatic brain injury and a ventriculostomy drain. The nurse should report which of the following findings as a complication of this therapeutic procedure? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A Reason:

Increasing hydration is important in the postoperative period to maintain fluid balance and support recovery. However, it is not the immediate priority following pheochromocytoma removal. The primary concern is to monitor and manage hemodynamic stability, particularly blood pressure.

Choice B Reason:

Monitoring blood pressure is the priority action following pheochromocytoma removal. This surgery can lead to significant fluctuations in blood pressure due to the sudden removal of catecholamine-secreting tumors. Close monitoring is essential to detect and manage potential hypotension or hypertension, which can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed.

Choice C Reason:

Measuring urine output is important for assessing kidney function and fluid balance, but it is not the immediate priority. Blood pressure monitoring takes precedence because of the potential for severe hemodynamic instability following the removal of the tumor.

Choice D Reason:

Providing a calm environment is beneficial for the patient’s overall recovery and can help reduce stress and anxiety. However, it is not the most critical action immediately following surgery. Ensuring hemodynamic stability through blood pressure monitoring is the top priority.

Choice A Reason:

Expressive aphasia, also known as Broca’s aphasia, is a common symptom of a left-hemisphere stroke. This condition affects the person’s ability to produce speech, although their comprehension may remain intact. The left hemisphere of the brain is typically responsible for language and speech functions, so damage to this area often results in expressive aphasia.

Choice B Reason:

Poor impulse control is more commonly associated with right-hemisphere strokes. The right hemisphere is involved in controlling behavior and emotions, so damage to this area can lead to impulsivity and poor judgment.

Choice C Reason:

Left hemiparesis, or weakness on the left side of the body, is typically a result of a right-hemisphere stroke. Strokes affect the opposite side of the body from the hemisphere where the stroke occurred. Therefore, a left-hemisphere stroke would more likely cause right-sided weakness or paralysis.

Choice D Reason:

Disorientation to place can occur with strokes affecting either hemisphere, but it is not a specific hallmark of left-hemisphere strokes. Cognitive impairments such as disorientation are more generalized and can result from various types of brain injuries.