A nurse is reviewing home medications with a client scheduled for a cataract extraction procedure. Which of the following medications should the nurse question administering?

A. Muscular aches in the leg: Muscular aches in the leg are not typically indicative of an impending cardiac arrest. While leg pain or cramping can be associated with peripheral vascular disease or venous insufficiency, they are not specific signs of cardiac arrest.

B. Profound fatigue: Profound fatigue can be a warning sign of an impending cardiac arrest. Fatigue or weakness can result from inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle, which may occur prior to a cardiac event. Additionally, systemic effects of cardiovascular compromise can lead to generalized weakness and fatigue.

C. Severe headache: While severe headache can be associated with conditions such as hypertension or intracranial bleeding, it is not a typical manifestation of an impending cardiac arrest. Headaches may occur as a result of stress or anxiety related to the cardiac event, but they are not a direct warning sign of impending cardiac arrest.

D. Ringing in the ears: Ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus, is not typically associated with an impending cardiac arrest. Tinnitus can result from various factors such as noise exposure, ear infections, or certain medications, but it is not considered a warning sign of impending cardiac arrest.

A. Dopamine: Dopamine is a catecholamine often used to increase blood pressure and cardiac output in hypotensive states. It does not directly reduce intracranial pressure (ICP).

B. Mannitol: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic commonly used to reduce intracranial pressure in clients with conditions such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, or cerebral edema. It works by drawing fluid from brain tissue into the bloodstream, thereby reducing cerebral edema and ICP.

C. Nicardipine: Nicardipine is a calcium channel blocker used primarily to lower blood pressure in hypertensive emergencies. While it can indirectly impact intracranial pressure by reducing cerebral perfusion pressure, its primary mechanism of action is not targeted at reducing ICP.

D. Phenytoin: Phenytoin is an antiepileptic medication used to prevent and control seizures. While it may be indicated in clients who have experienced a subarachnoid hemorrhage to prevent seizures, it does not directly reduce intracranial pressure.