Which symptom would indicate that a client with a stroke is developing brain edema?

A decreased level of consciousness is an important indicator that a client with a stroke may be developing brain edema. This condition, characterized by swelling in the brain, can result from the inflammatory response to the stroke. As the brain swells, it can increase intracranial pressure, which in turn affects brain function and can lead to altered levels of consciousness. This symptom often serves as an alert to clinicians that the individual may be experiencing significant complications and warrants immediate medical assessment and intervention to prevent further neurological damage.

In contrast, unilateral limb weakness, vision changes, and persistent headaches may also be associated with stroke but are not specific indicators of brain edema. Unilateral limb weakness typically reflects the area of the brain that has been affected by the stroke, while vision changes could indicate damage to visual processing areas. Persistent headaches, although common in some stroke patients, can stem from various causes and do not directly signify the development of edema. Thus, changes in consciousness specifically highlight the potential risk of increased intracranial pressure and the development of brain swelling.