A nurse is caring for a client who has a complete spinal cord injury. Based on the nurse's understanding about the degree of this type of injury, what can the nurse expect will be the client's level of function?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not include this in the postoperative education to the client. The client should not drive home after glaucoma surgery, as they will have reduced vision and increased sensitivity to light in the operated eye. The nurse should advise the client to arrange for someone else to drive them home.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not include this in the postoperative education to the client. The client should not lie on the right side when going to bed, as this can put pressure on the operated eye and increase the risk of bleeding or infection. The nurse should advise the client to sleep on their back or on their left side.

Choice C reason: This is correct because the nurse should include this in the postoperative education to
the client. The client should report flashing lights, as this can indicate a complication such as retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage. The nurse should instruct the client to call the provider immediately if they see flashing lights.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not include this in the postoperative education to the client. The client should not nap on their left side when they get home, as this can cause fluid accumulation and increased intraocular pressure in the operated eye. The nurse should advise the client to elevate their head at least 30 degrees when resting.

Choice E reason: This is correct because the nurse should include this in the postoperative education to
the client. The client should avoid housework like vacuuming, as this can cause bending, lifting, or straining that can increase intraocular pressure and affect wound healing. The nurse should advise the client to limit physical activity and follow the provider's instructions on when to resume normal activities.

Choice F reason: This is correct because the nurse should include this in the postoperative education to
the client. The client may see flashes of light in the operated eye, as this is a normal phenomenon caused by stimulation of the retina by gas bubbles or fluid shifts. The nurse should reassure the client that flashes of light are normal and will subside over time.

Choice A Reason: This is correct because macular degeneration is a condition that affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina that is responsible for sharp and detailed vision. Macular degeneration can cause blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, or dark spots in the visual field.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve, which is the nerve that connects the eye to the brain and carries visual signals. Glaucoma can cause increased pressure inside the eye, damage to the optic nerve, and loss of peripheral vision.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because diabetic retinopathy is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina, which is the layer of tissue at the back of the eye that converts light into nerve impulses. Diabetic retinopathy can cause bleeding, swelling, or leakage of fluid in the retina, and loss of vision in any part of the visual field.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because cataract is a condition that affects the lens, which is the transparent structure behind the pupil that focuses light onto the retina. Cataract can cause clouding or opacity of the lens, and reduced vision in all parts of the visual field.