The 23-year-old patient is brought to the emergency department after contacting emergency services to report profound weakness that started in his feet and worsened and spread cranially over the past few days. He reports severe diarrhea after a camping trip a week ago. Upon assessment, strength, sensation, and deep tendon reflexes are significantly reduced, with the lower extremities more severely affected than his upper extremities. Vital signs are normal and the patient seems to be breathing well. The nurse anticipates which finding on the lumbar puncture result?  

An immunocompromised patient has suspected meningitis. Antiviral and antibiotic medications have been ordered but the lumbar puncture is on hold until the patient can undergo a computed tomography (CT) scan. Which of the following actions by the nurse is most appropriate?

The patient sustained third degree burns to the entirety of bilateral hands and forearms 96 hours ago. Which nursing intervention is most important to ensure the patient is able to keep the hands?