A nurse is preparing a poster about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) for a local community health fair. Which of the following activities should the nurse include on the poster as increasing the risk for CTE?

Tonometer intraocular pressure reading 8 mm Hg (Option A): A low intraocular pressure reading may indicate a detached retina. In a detached retina, the vitreous humor (gel-like substance in the eye) may leak into the space behind the retina, causing a decrease in intraocular pressure. However, it's important to note that intraocular pressure alone cannot definitively diagnose a detached retina, and further diagnostic tests, such as a dilated eye examination or retinal imaging, would be needed for confirmation.

Smooth retina edges identified on slit-lamp biomicroscope examination (Option B): In the case of a detached retina, the edges of the retina may appear irregular or undulating rather than smooth. This irregularity is often observed during a dilated eye examination rather than with a slit-lamp biomicroscope.

Visual acuity of 20/20 using the Snellen eye chart (Option C): Visual acuity may be affected in a detached retina, depending on the extent and location of the detachment. However, visual acuity alone cannot confirm a detached retina, as other factors such as refractive errors or cataracts can also affect visual acuity.

Lens and cornea appear intact during ophthalmoscope exam (Option D): While a detached retina may be visualized during an ophthalmoscope examination as a gray or whitish area behind the lens, the appearance of the lens and cornea being intact does not definitively diagnose a detached retina. A thorough dilated eye examination by an ophthalmologist is necessary for accurate diagnosis.

A. "I stopped taking aspirin last week.": Stopping aspirin medication prior to surgery is often advised to reduce the risk of bleeding during and after the procedure. The nurse may confirm the timing of discontinuation with the client and verify if any other anticoagulant medications are being taken.

B. "I did not put my contact lenses in this morning.": Removing contact lenses before surgery is a routine precaution to prevent potential corneal abrasions or complications during the procedure. This statement indicates the client is following preoperative instructions.

C. "I took my blood pressure meds with a sip of water.": Taking blood pressure medications with a small amount of water is generally acceptable before surgery. However, the nurse may verify the specific medications the client is taking and their dosing schedule to ensure compliance.

D. "I had a cough and runny nose a couple days ago.": This statement requires further investigation as respiratory symptoms, such as cough and runny nose, may indicate an underlying respiratory infection. Infections can increase the risk of complications during surgery, such as anesthesia-related respiratory issues or postoperative infections. The nurse should assess the severity and duration of the symptoms, inquire about any fever or recent exposure to illnesses, and consider notifying the surgical team for further evaluation and decision-making regarding the client's surgical readiness.