The primary health care provider has determined that a client has contracted hepatitis A based on flu-like symptoms and jaundice. Which statement made by the client supports this medical diagnosis?

The correct answers are b, d, and e.

Choice A: Slurred speech.

Slurred speech can be associated with increased ICP due to the pressure effects on the brain areas responsible for speech production. However, it is not typically considered a late sign of increased ICP. It may occur earlier in the progression as the brain's ability to coordinate muscle movements is affected.

Choice B: Bradycardia with a bounding pulse.

Bradycardia with a bounding pulse is a classic sign of Cushing's triad, which is a late and ominous sign of significantly increased ICP. It indicates that the body is attempting to increase arterial blood pressure to overcome the increased ICP and maintain cerebral perfusion. The normal range for adult heart rate is 60-100 beats per minute.

Choice C: Confusion.

Confusion can be an early sign of increased ICP as it can indicate changes in cerebral function. However, it is not specifically a late sign of increased ICP. Early signs of increased ICP can include headache, nausea, and confusion, as the brain is initially responding to the pressure changes.

Choice D: Hypertension with an increasing pulse pressure.

Hypertension with an increasing pulse pressure is another component of Cushing's triad. It reflects the body's compensatory mechanism to preserve cerebral blood flow in the face of rising ICP. An increasing pulse pressure (the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure) is a late sign of increased ICP. Normal pulse pressure is typically 30-40 mm Hg.

Choice E: Nonreactive dilated pupils.

Nonreactive dilated pupils are a late sign of increased ICP and indicate pressure on the cranial nerves that control pupil size and reaction to light. This is a grave sign and often indicates impending brain herniation.

Choice F: Hypotension with a decreasing pulse pressure.

Hypotension with a decreasing pulse pressure is not typically associated with increased ICP. In fact, hypertension with a widening pulse pressure would be more indicative of increased ICP as part of Cushing's triad.

Choice A Reason: This is the correct choice because driving a motorcycle is a high-risk activity that can expose the client to head trauma, especially if they do not wear a helmet. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a condition where the brain is damaged by an external force, such as a collision, fall, or assault.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because having high blood pressure is not a direct risk factor for traumatic brain injury. High blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke, which is a condition where the brain is damaged by an internal cause, such as a blood clot or hemorrhage.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because smoking and having a family history of brain cancer are not risk factors for traumatic brain injury. Smoking and genetic factors can increase the risk of developing brain tumors, which are abnormal growths of cells in the brain.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because golfing and driving a golf cart are low-risk activities that do not pose a significant threat to the client's head. Golfing and driving a golf cart may cause minor injuries, such as sprains, strains, or bruises, but not traumatic brain injury.