A nurse is caring for a client who has a spinal cord injury at the first thoracic level. Which of the following should the nurse recognize can trigger autonomic dysreflexia?
(Select All that Apply.)

Choice A Reason:

Take small bites of food is correct. Taking small bites of food can help prevent choking and aspiration, particularly during mealtime. It is a recommended practice for individuals with epilepsy to reduce the risk of aspiration if a seizure were to occur during eating.

Choice B Reason:

Liquids should be thickened is incorrect. Thickened liquids are typically recommended for individuals with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) to help prevent aspiration. However, thickened liquids may not be necessary for all individuals with epilepsy unless specifically indicated based on their swallowing function assessment.

Choice C Reason:

Eat sitting slightly forward correct.: Eating while sitting slightly forward can help prevent aspiration in case of a seizure during meals. This position allows gravity to assist in preventing food or liquid from entering the airway.

Choice D Reason:

Chew food thoroughly before swallowing is correct. Thoroughly chewing food before swallowing is important for proper digestion and to reduce the risk of choking or aspiration, especially for individuals with epilepsy who may be at increased risk of aspiration during a seizure.

Choice E Reason:

Avoid having conversations while eating is incorrect. Avoiding conversations while eating is not directly related to epilepsy management. However, focusing on eating and taking appropriate precautions, such as sitting upright and chewing food thoroughly, can help reduce the risk of aspiration during meals.

Choice F Reason:

Avoid fiber in the diet is incorrect.: There is no specific recommendation to avoid fiber in the diet for individuals with epilepsy. In fact, a balanced diet that includes fiber-rich foods can promote overall health and well-being, which is important for individuals with epilepsy as well.

Choice A Reason:

COPD is a chronic lung condition characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. Individuals with COPD often have underlying structural lung changes, such as emphysematous bullae or blebs. These areas of weakened lung tissue are prone to rupture, leading to the development of pneumothorax. Additionally, the chronic inflammation and damage to the airways and lung parenchyma in COPD contribute to the development of pneumothorax.

Choice B Reason:

Sarcoidosis is incorrect. Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease that primarily affects the lungs and lymph nodes. While it can cause lung damage and lead to pneumothorax, it is less common than COPD as a comorbidity associated with SSP.

Choice C Reason:

Lung cancer is incorrect. Lung cancer can lead to pneumothorax, especially if the tumor erodes into the pleural space. However, SSP is more commonly associated with underlying lung diseases like COPD rather than lung cancer.

Choice D Reason:

Cystic fibrosis is incorrect. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal mucus production and impaired clearance in various organs, including the lungs. While individuals with cystic fibrosis are at increased risk of pneumothorax due to underlying lung disease, SSP is less commonly seen in this population compared to COPD.