A nurse is providing teaching to a client and his partner about performing peritoneal dialysis at home. When discussing peritonitis, which of the following manifestations should the nurse identify as the earliest indication of this complication?

A Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that helps relieve angina by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the heart muscle. It is typically the first-line medication for acute angina attacks. Administering nitroglycerin promptly can help alleviate the client's pain and prevent progression to a myocardial infarction (heart attack).

B. Aspirin is often administered to clients with suspected myocardial ischemia or infarction because it inhibits platelet aggregation, which can reduce the risk of clot formation and further occlusion of coronary arteries. It is typically given early in the management of acute coronary syndrome to prevent clotting complications.

C. While monitoring blood pressure is important in clients with acute angina, especially to assess for hypotension which could indicate cardiogenic shock, it is not the first action. Immediate pain relief and prevention of further ischemic damage take precedence over blood pressure measurement.

D. IV access is important for administering medications and fluids if needed, but it is not the first priority unless the client's condition warrants immediate IV medication administration (such as in severe pain or impending myocardial infarction).

A. Nuchal rigidity refers to stiffness or resistance to neck movement, especially when the client's head is flexed forward. It is a classic sign of meningitis due to irritation and inflammation of the meninges (the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord). This assessment helps to detect meningeal irritation, a hallmark of meningitis.

B. This action tests the deep tendon reflex, specifically the knee jerk reflex (patellar reflex). It assesses the integrity of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. While it is part of a neurological assessment, it is not specifically related to the assessment of meningitis unless there are concurrent neurological symptoms or signs.

C This maneuver tests for Babinski reflex, which is an abnormal response where the toes flare upward and the big toe dorsiflexes when the sole of the foot is stimulated. A positive Babinski reflex can indicate dysfunction of the corticospinal tract or brain injury but is not a specific finding in meningitis.

D. Tapping the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) assesses for the presence of facial nerve irritation or damage. In the context of meningitis, signs such as facial twitching or asymmetry may indicate involvement of cranial nerves due to inflammation and pressure within the skull.