A nurse is caring for a client who has degenerative disc disease. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse understand might develop with this condition?
(Select All that Apply.)

Choice A Reason:

The client admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is correct. Diabetes is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy, particularly if poorly controlled. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe complication of diabetes characterized by high blood sugar levels and ketone accumulation. Prolonged uncontrolled diabetes can lead to nerve damage and peripheral neuropathy.

Choice B Reason:

The client admitted with sleep apnea is incorrect. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. While sleep apnea itself is not typically associated with peripheral neuropathy, underlying conditions such as obesity or diabetes, which are risk factors for sleep apnea, can also increase the risk of peripheral neuropathy.

Choice C Reason:

The client admitted with a hypertensive crisis is incorrect. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not directly associated with peripheral neuropathy. However, poorly controlled hypertension can lead to vascular complications and contribute to conditions such as atherosclerosis, which may indirectly increase the risk of peripheral neuropathy.

Choice D Reason:

The client admitted for an exacerbation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is correct. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and tissues, including the peripheral nerves. Peripheral neuropathy can occur as a complication of SLE, particularly in cases of active disease or as a result of certain medications used to treat SLE.

Choice E Reason:

The client admitted with untreated tuberculosis is incorrect. Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While TB itself is not typically associated with peripheral neuropathy, certain medications used to treat TB, such as isoniazid, can cause peripheral neuropathy as a side effect.

Choice F Reason:

The client admitted with cirrhosis secondary to chronic alcohol use is correct. Chronic alcohol use and cirrhosis can lead to various neurological complications, including peripheral neuropathy. Alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy often presents with sensory symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and pain in the extremities.

Choice A Reason:

"The nerves just go to sleep when I lie down because no message gets from my brain to the spinal cord." is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the mechanism of peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy in diabetes is not simply the nerves "going to sleep" due to lack of communication between the brain and spinal cord.

Choice B Reason:

"The nerve damage may occur for unknown reasons in any individual" is incorrect because while the exact cause of peripheral neuropathy may not always be known, in the context of diabetes mellitus, the link between elevated blood sugar levels and nerve damage is well-established.

Choice C Reason:

"The older I get, there is less blood flowing to my feet. “is incorrect because while decreased blood flow (ischemia) can contribute to peripheral neuropathy in some cases, the primary mechanism in diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage due to hyperglycemia rather than reduced blood flow.

Choice D Reason:

"The elevated blood sugar from my diabetes can cause underlying nerve damage." Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, particularly when the condition is uncontrolled. Elevated blood sugar levels over time can lead to damage to the nerves, especially those in the feet and legs. This damage can result in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or pain in the affected areas.