A nurse is performing a cranial nerve assessment on a client following a head injury. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect if the client has impaired function of the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII)?

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale: This choice suggests that the provider will prescribe a different medication regimen. However, this is not necessarily the case. Rifampin is a first-line medication for tuberculosis and its side effects, including the discoloration of body fluids, are well-known and expected. Therefore, it is unlikely that the provider would change the medication regimen solely based on this side effect.

Choice B rationale: This is the correct answer. Rifampin, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis, can cause a harmless red-orange discoloration of body fluids, including urine, sweat, tears, and saliva. This is an expected side effect of the medication and does not indicate any harm or toxicity. It is important for the nurse to reassure the client that this is a normal occurrence and does not require any changes to the medication regimen.

Choice C rationale: This choice suggests that the red-orange discoloration of the client’s saliva may indicate possible medication toxicity. However, this is not accurate. While rifampin can have serious side effects, including liver damage and severe gastrointestinal upset, the discoloration of body fluids is not a sign of toxicity. It is a harmless side effect of the medication.

Choice D rationale: This choice suggests that the client will need to increase her fluid intake to resolve the problem. However, increasing fluid intake will not change the discoloration caused by rifampin. The discoloration is a result of the medication itself and is not influenced by the client’s hydration status.

A mastectomy is a surgical removal of one or both breasts, usually done to treat breast cancer. The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and provide factual information about the procedure, its benefits and risks, and possible alternatives . The nurse should also assess the client's readiness to learn, address any concerns or fears, and offer emotional support . Telling the client to get a second opinion may imply that the nurse does not trust the surgeon or doubts the necessity of the procedure.

Telling the client that they will be cancer-free if they have the procedure may be false or misleading, as there may be residual cancer cells or recurrence after surgery. Giving the client a list of other people who had the same procedure may violate confidentiality and may not be helpful or relevant to the client's situation.