A client who had a C5 spinal cord injury 2 years ago is admitted to the emergency department (ED) with the diagnosis of autonomic dysreflexia secondary to a full bladder. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect this client to exhibit?

Choice A reason: Encouraging the client to lie down and rest after meals is not advisable for someone with gastroesophageal reflux. Lying down after eating can exacerbate symptoms by allowing stomach acid to more easily flow back into the esophagus. It's recommended that clients stay upright for at least 2-3 hours after meals.

Choice B reason: Avoiding high-fiber foods is not a standard recommendation for managing gastroesophageal reflux. In fact, a diet high in fiber can benefit overall digestive health and help prevent constipation. The key dietary advice usually involves avoiding trigger foods such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods.

Choice C reason: Elevating the head of the bed on blocks is an effective way to manage gastroesophageal reflux, especially at night. This position helps keep stomach acid in the stomach and prevents it from flowing back into the esophagus, reducing symptoms such as heartburn.

Choice D reason: Instructing the client to use antacids only as a last resort is not necessarily accurate advice. While antacids can provide symptomatic relief, they are often used as part of a comprehensive management plan for gastroesophageal reflux. However, lifestyle modifications and dietary changes are also crucial.

Choice A reason: This option has some errors in the text. The correct explanation should note that carbidopa-levodopa does help reduce the tremors caused by Parkinson's disease, but it primarily works by increasing dopamine levels rather than by assisting other medications. The choice does not clearly state the main mechanism of action of carbidopa-levodopa.

Choice B reason: Carbidopa-levodopa is a combination drug used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain, helping to replenish the depleted dopamine levels. Carbidopa helps to prevent the breakdown of levodopa before it reaches the brain. This increases the amount of dopamine available, which is crucial for muscle function and reducing symptoms like tremors and rigidity.

Choice C reason: This option is incorrect because carbidopa-levodopa does not work by reducing inflammation. Instead, it focuses on restoring the balance of dopamine in the brain. Parkinson's disease is primarily a neurodegenerative disorder, not an inflammatory one, so this explanation does not align with the drug's mechanism of action.

Choice D reason: This option is also incorrect as it suggests that carbidopa-levodopa works by slowing the degeneration of the myelin sheath. Parkinson's disease involves the loss of dopamine-producing neurons, not the degeneration of myelin. Therefore, this explanation does not accurately reflect the drug's purpose or mechanism.