After teaching a client with a spinal cord injury, the nurse ...

[burchfield96]

After teaching a client with a spinal cord injury, the nurse assesses the client's understanding. Which client statement indicates a correct understanding of how to prevent respiratory problems at home?
 
  a. I'll use my incentive spirometer every 2 hours while I'm awake.
  b. I'll drink thinned fluids to prevent choking.
  c. I'll take cough medicine to prevent excessive coughing.
  d. I'll position myself on my right side so I don't aspirate.

Question 2

A nurse teaches a client with a lower motor neuron lesion who wants to achieve bladder control. Which statement should the nurse include in this client's teaching?
 
  a. Stroke the inner aspect of your thigh to initiate voiding.
  b. Use a clean technique for intermittent catheterization.
  c. Implement digital anal stimulation when your bladder is full.
  d. Tighten your abdominal muscles to stimulate urine flow.

[efwsefaw]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Often, the person with a spinal cord injury will have weak intercostal muscles and is at higher risk for developing atelectasis and stasis pneumonia. Using an incentive spirometer every 2 hours helps the client expand the lungs more fully and prevents atelectasis. Clients should drink fluids that they can tolerate; usually thick fluids are easier to tolerate. The client should be encouraged to cough and clear secretions. Clients should be placed in high-Fowler's position to prevent aspiration.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
In clients with lower motor neuron problems such as spinal cord injury, performing a Valsalva maneuver or tightening the abdominal muscles are interventions that can initiate voiding. Stroking the inner aspect of the thigh may initiate voiding in a client who has an upper motor neuron problem. Intermittent catheterization and digital anal stimulation do not initiate voiding or bladder control.