A nurse is caring for a client who has a spinal cord injury and has absent bowel sounds in the lower abdominal quadrants. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?

Choice A Reason:

Paresthesia is appropriate. Paresthesia, or abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, or burning, is a common neurological symptom in individuals with multiple sclerosis. It results from damage to the nerves or disruption of nerve signals in the central nervous system.

Choice B Reason:

Nausea and vomiting is inappropriate. While nausea and vomiting can occur in individuals with multiple sclerosis, they are not considered hallmark symptoms of the disease. These symptoms may be associated with other factors such as medications, autonomic dysfunction, or complications such as urinary tract infections.

Choice C Reason:

Dysphagia is appropriate. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common symptom in individuals with multiple sclerosis, particularly as the disease progresses. It can result from damage to the nerves that control swallowing muscles or from impaired coordination of swallowing reflexes.

Choice D Reason:

Spasticity is appropriate. Spasticity, or muscle stiffness and involuntary muscle contractions, is a common symptom in individuals with multiple sclerosis. It occurs due to damage to the nerve fibers that control muscle movement and can lead to difficulty with movement, walking, and muscle control.

Choice E Reason:

Vertigo is appropriate. Vertigo, or the sensation of spinning or dizziness, can occur in individuals with multiple sclerosis, particularly if lesions develop in areas of the brain involved in balance and coordination.

Choice A Reason:

Loss of teeth is not typically considered a direct factor contributing to obstructive sleep apnea. While the presence of teeth may play a role in maintaining the structure of the oral cavity, it is not a primary risk factor for OSA.

Choice B Reason:

Stroke is correct. Individuals who have had a stroke are at increased risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea. Stroke can cause damage to areas of the brain involved in controlling breathing and upper airway function, leading to disruptions in respiratory control during sleep.

Choice C Reason:

Sleepiness is a symptom commonly associated with obstructive sleep apnea rather than a direct contributing factor. Excessive daytime sleepiness is a consequence of disrupted sleep patterns and recurrent episodes of breathing cessation during the night, which are characteristic features of obstructive sleep apnea.

Choice D Reason:

Fatty deposits is correct. Excessive fatty deposits, particularly around the neck and throat, can contribute to the narrowing and collapse of the upper airway during sleep, increasing the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Obesity is a significant risk factor for OSA due to the accumulation of fat deposits in the upper airway tissues.

Choice E Reason:

Muscle dysfunction is correct. Muscle dysfunction, particularly of the muscles surrounding the upper airway, can impair the ability of these muscles to keep the airway open during sleep. Weakness or dysfunction of these muscles can lead to increased collapsibility of the upper airway, contributing to obstructive sleep apnea.