A nurse is caring for a client following a complete spinal cord transection injury. The client's family asks the nurse what the term paraplegia means. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. This response includes tachycardia (increased heart rate) and dilated pupils (mydriasis), both of which are common physiological changes during sympathetic activation.

B. Pupil constriction and bronchoconstriction are associated with the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "rest and digest" functions.

C. Increased peristalsis and abdominal cramping are also associated with the parasympathetic nervous system, as it promotes digestion and relaxation of the body.

D. Hypoglycemia and headache are not direct indicators of sympathetic activation. Hypoglycemia can occur for various reasons, and headaches can be caused by multiple factors, but they are not specific signs of sympathetic nervous system activation.

A. A blood pressure cuff is not directly needed to assess neurological status. While blood pressure is important to monitor in neurological assessments, it is not the primary tool used for assessing neurological function.

B. A pen light is essential for assessing pupil reaction, which is a key part of a neurological exam. The nurse can use the pen light to check for pupil dilation, constriction, and reaction to light, which are important indicators of brain function.

C. A thermometer is useful for measuring body temperature but is not a primary tool for assessing neurological status. Although fever can be a sign of infection affecting the brain, it is not part of the basic neurological exam.

D. A stethoscope is useful for listening to heart and lung sounds, but it is not typically used for assessing neurological function. The pen light is the more appropriate tool for this purpose.