The nurse observes the client as he walks into the clinic. She notices a slight tremor of the hands, slowness of movements, and a mask-like facial expression, with postural instability. Which of the following in the client's history are consistent with these observations?

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because a blister-like pustule on the face that oozes clear fluid may indicate impetigo, which is a bacterial skin infection, not basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from the basal layer of the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin. Basal cell carcinoma lesions are usually not blistered or pustular, but rather smooth, shiny, or waxy.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because a dark brown lesion that is flat may indicate a mole, which is a benign growth of melanocytes, which are cells that produce pigment, not basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma lesions are usually not dark brown or flat, but rather flesh-colored, pink, or red, and may have a raised or indented center.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because a small scaly, dry lesion on the elbow may indicate basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma lesions are often small, scaly, and dry, and may bleed or crust over. They can occur anywhere on the body, but are more common on areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, arms, or legs.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because location on the top of the head where exposed frequently to sunlight may indicate squamous cell carcinoma, which is another type of skin cancer that arises from the squamous layer of the epidermis, not basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma lesions are usually rough, scaly, or crusted, and may have a firm or hard texture. They can also occur anywhere on the body, but are more common on areas that are exposed to the sun.

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because encouraging coughing and deep breathing can increase intracranial pressure (ICP), which is the pressure inside

the skull that can affect brain function. Coughing and deep breathing can increase blood flow and oxygen demand to the brain, which can worsen cerebral edema. The nurse should suction the patient as needed and maintain a patent airway.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because positioning the patient with knees and hips flexed can increase ICP by reducing venous drainage from the head. The nurse should position the patient with neck and body in alignment and avoid extreme flexion or extension of any joints.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because performing nursing interventions once an hour can disturb the patient's sleep and increase ICP by stimulating brain activity. The nurse should cluster nursing interventions and provide quiet and dark environment to promote rest and reduce stress.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because keeping the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees can decrease ICP by facilitating venous drainage from the head and reducing cerebral blood volume. The nurse should monitor the patient's blood pressure and pulse to ensure adequate cerebral perfusion.