A nurse is using analytic epidemiology when conducting a research project on a comparison group. Which of the following research projects is the nurse most likely completing?

Choice A reason: Hypertension is a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure, as it reflects the body's attempt to maintain adequate cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and blood flow to the brain. CPP is the difference between the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the intracranial pressure (ICP). When ICP rises, MAP must also rise to keep CPP constant and prevent cerebral ischemia. Hypertension is part of the Cushing's triad, which is a classic sign of increased ICP that also includes bradycardia and irregular respirations.

Choice B reason: Tinnitus is not a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure, as it does not affect the auditory system. Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears that can be caused by various factors, such as ear infections, noise exposure, medications, or aging. Tinnitus may be associated with other neurological conditions, such as Meniere's disease, acoustic neuroma, or multiple sclerosis, but not with increased ICP.

Choice C reason: Hypotension is not a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure, as it indicates a decrease in MAP and CPP, which can lead to cerebral ischemia and infarction. Hypotension can be caused by various factors, such as blood loss, dehydration, shock, or medications. Hypotension may worsen the outcome of increased ICP by reducing the oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain.

Choice D reason: Tachycardia is not a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure, as it contradicts Cushing's triad. Tachycardia is an increase in heart rate that can be caused by various factors, such as anxiety, pain, fever, dehydration, or medications. Tachycardia may increase the oxygen demand and metabolic rate of the brain, which can exacerbate the effects of increased ICP.

Choice A reason: Performing carotid massage is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may worsen the condition or cause complications. Carotid massage is a technique that involves applying pressure to the carotid artery in the neck to stimulate the vagus nerve and slow down the heart rate. It is used to treat some types of arrhythmias, such as supraventricular tachycardia. However, carotid massage may dislodge a blood clot or plaque from the carotid artery and cause an embolic stroke, which is a type of ischemic stroke that occurs when a blood clot travels to the brain and blocks a blood vessel. Carotid massage may also cause bradycardia, hypotension, or syncope, which can reduce the blood flow to the brain and worsen the ischemic damage.

Choice B reason: Calling for help is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it initiates the emergency response and allows for prompt evaluation and treatment. Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. The sooner the stroke is recognized and treated, the better the chances of survival and recovery. Therefore, the nurse should call for help as soon as possible and activate the stroke protocol in the facility.

Choice C reason: Providing the client with water to test the gag reflex is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may cause aspiration or choking. A gag reflex is an involuntary contraction of the throat muscles that prevents foreign objects from entering the airway. It is tested by touching the back of the throat with a tongue depressor or a cotton swab. However, this test is not indicated in a client who has signs of a stroke, as it may trigger vomiting or coughing, which can increase intracranial pressure or cause bleeding. Moreover, giving water to a client who has signs of a stroke may be dangerous, as they may have dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or facial weakness, which can impair their ability to swallow safely and increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Choice D reason: Administering thrombolytics is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client has signs of a stroke, as it may be contraindicated or harmful depending on the type and timing of the stroke. Thrombolytics are medications that dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow. They are used to treat ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain. However, thrombolytics are not effective for hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by bleeding into or around the brain. In fact, thrombolytics may worsen hemorrhagic stroke by increasing bleeding and intracranial pressure. Therefore, thrombolytics should only be given after confirming the type of stroke by imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thrombolytics should also be given within a specific time window after the onset of symptoms, usually within 3 to 4.5 hours, as they may lose their effectiveness or cause complications if given too late. Therefore, administering thrombolytics is not an action that a nurse can take without proper assessment and orders from the health care provider.