The physician orders a hypertonic crystalloid solution for the client in critical care who has cerebral edema. The nurse hangs a bag of a hypotonic solution. What will the priority assessment of the nurse include?

Question

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A hypertonic solution is intended to draw fluid from the brain cells to reduce cerebral edema, whereas a hypotonic solution would cause fluid to shift into the brain cells, worsening the edema. The priority assessment of the nurse would be for signs and symptoms of increasing intracranial pressure, which include headache, irritability, and decreasing level of consciousness. Confusion, hallucinations, agitation, hypertension, nausea, vomiting, and pinpoint pupils are also possible manifestations, but they are not the priority in this scenario.

The Physician Orders a Hypertonic Crystalloid Solution for the Client