Exhibits

Click to mark whether the following are signs and symptoms of cerebral edema, respiratory distress, or both.

A) Incorrect- A blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg is within a generally acceptable range for a person with diabetes and coronary artery disease. It may not directly indicate a complication related to the episodes of confusion. While blood pressure management is important for clients with diabetes and coronary artery disease, this particular blood pressure reading is not necessarily a significant finding in relation to the client's confusion.
B) Correct- Cervical spine stiffness or neck stiffness is a potential neurological symptom that can indicate a serious complication in a client with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease. The stiffness of the neck may be a sign of meningeal irritation, which can result from various conditions including infections such as meningitis. The client's medical history includes both type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease, which are risk factors for cardiovascular events, including cerebrovascular accidents (strokes). Confusion can be a symptom of a stroke, and neck stiffness can be indicative of meningeal irritation secondary to a stroke or another neurological condition.
C) Incorrect- Dark yellow urine can be a sign of dehydration, which can be a concern for someone with diabetes. However, it is not directly related to episodes of confusion. Dehydration can cause various symptoms, but confusion is not typically associated with mild dehydration.
D) Incorrect- Excessive perspiration (diaphoresis) can occur for various reasons, including increased sympathetic nervous system activity, fever, anxiety, and physical activity. While it can be a symptom of certain complications, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or heart attack, it alone may not directly relate to the episodes of confusion in this client.

A) Incorrect- The left lateral position might not provide enough lung expansion for a client in respiratory distress.
B) Incorrect- Reverse Trendelenburg (head of bed elevated, foot of bed lowered) might not provide enough lung expansion and could exacerbate respiratory distress.
C) Correct- The High-Fowler's position, where the client is sitting upright at a 90-degree angle or as upright as tolerated, helps to improve lung expansion, reduce pressure on the diaphragm, and promote optimal oxygenation. This position is commonly used for clients with respiratory distress.
D) Incorrect- The supine position may worsen pulmonary congestion and compromise lung expansion in clients with pulmonary edema.