The nurse is caring for a patient with epilepsy who has recently had a change in their prescribed medication combination.
Which of the following options are priority to institute?

Choice A rationale

Nitroprusside is a vasodilator for hypertensive crises but is contraindicated in elevated ICP because it increases cerebral blood volume and exacerbates intracranial pressure, worsening the patient's condition.

Choice B rationale

Hypertonic saline (3%) helps reduce ICP by drawing excess fluid from brain tissue into the bloodstream through osmosis, effectively lowering intracranial pressure while maintaining cerebral perfusion.

Choice C rationale

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that reduces fluid overload but does not specifically target ICP. It is less effective in managing the osmotic balance required for intracranial pressure reduction.

Choice D rationale

Norepinephrine is a vasopressor used to treat hypotension and improve perfusion but does not lower ICP and may increase cerebral vasoconstriction, exacerbating intracranial hypertension. .

Choice A rationale

Reviewing the safety data sheet does not directly alleviate the immediate chemical injury or prevent further damage. Immediate irrigation of the eyes is the priority after chemical exposure to minimize damage to the ocular surface.

Choice B rationale

Continuous irrigation removes chemical agents from the eyes and prevents further damage. Ensuring a pain-free state and checking pH confirm the removal of irritants, essential for preventing deeper eye tissue damage.

Choice C rationale

Miotic drops reduce intraocular pressure but do not address acute chemical injury. Pain relief is secondary to irrigating and neutralizing pH, which directly prevents ongoing tissue damage and irritation.

Choice D rationale

Assessing visual acuity and vital signs is important but secondary to preventing further chemical penetration. Immediate irrigation prevents damage progression and is prioritized over assessments during the acute phase of exposure.