The nurse is caring for a patient admitted to a neurological unit with new-onset mild confusion and a headache. Magnetic resonance imaging confirms the physician's suspicion of brain tumor. The physician orders dexamethasone (Decadron) IV, which completely relieves the patient's symptoms. The patient's family is convinced this is a miracle. Which of the following statements by the nurse is best?
a. "The brain is such a unique organ, we never really know what will happen."
b. "Decadron regenerates neurons in the central nervous system, so the patient should continue to get even better over the next week or so."
c. "By dilating the arteries in the brain, blood flow is improved and symptoms improve."
d. "The Decadron works to reduce swelling in the brain caused by the tumor; we often see remarkable improvement."
ANS: D
Dexamethasone is a steroid that may reduce brain swelling. Dexamethasone is not a vasodilator, and it does not regenerate nerve tissue.
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