The nurse educator asks the student nurse to explain the most common causes of blindness in the United States. Which of the following options will the student nurse select as one of the top causes of blindness?

Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect. Inability to read is not a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has meningitis, but rather a possible finding in a client who has a stroke or a brain tumor. Meningitis does not affect the language or cognitive functions, but rather the meninges or the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect. Bruising around the eyes is not a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has meningitis, but rather a possible finding in a client who has a basilar skull fracture or a head trauma. Meningitis does not cause bleeding or bruising, but rather inflammation and infection of the meninges.

Choice C Reason: This is the correct choice. A throbbing headache is a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has meningitis, as it is one of the most common and characteristic symptoms. A throbbing headache is caused by increased intracranial pressure and irritation of the meninges due to inflammation and infection.

Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect. A heart rate of 50 is not a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has meningitis, but rather a possible finding in a client who has bradycardia or a slow heart rate. Meningitis does not affect the heart rate, but rather the temperature and blood pressure. The nurse should expect to see fever and hypotension in a client who has meningitis.

Choice A Reason: This is a correct choice. Trying to avoid scratching is an advice that the nurse will provide to the client, as it prevents further damage and infection of the skin. Scratching can break the skin barrier and introduce bacteria or fungi into the wound, leading to inflammation and complications.

Choice B Reason: This is a correct choice. Applying a moist cool compress is an advice that the nurse will provide to the client, as it soothes and relieves itching and swelling. A moist cool compress can reduce inflammation and histamine release, which are responsible for allergic symptoms.

Choice C Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Using alcohol to cleanse the area is not an advice that the nurse will provide to the client, as it irritates and dries out the skin. Alcohol can strip away the natural oils and moisture from the skin, making it more prone to cracking and itching.

Choice D Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Using a wooden stick to scratch lesions is not an advice that the nurse will provide to the client, as it causes more harm than good. A wooden stick can injure or infect the skin, as well as spread the allergen or irritant to other areas.

Choice E Reason: This is a correct choice. Avoiding hot air is an advice that the nurse will provide to the client, as it aggravates itching and inflammation. Hot air can increase blood flow and histamine release, which are responsible for allergic symptoms. The client should also avoid hot water or showers, as they can have the same effect.