A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has a terminal illness and is ventilator dependent. The client is alert and oriented and he wants to discontinue use of the ventilator. The nurse should be aware that continued treatment against the client’s wishes is a violation of which of the following ethical principles?

Choice A reason: Hyperthermia. This answer is incorrect because hyperthermia is not a complication of a cervical spinal cord injury, but rather a condition that can worsen the injury. Hyperthermia can increase the metabolic demand and oxygen consumption of the injured spinal cord, leading to more damage and inflammation.

Choice B reason: Absence of bowel sounds. This answer is correct because absence of bowel sounds is a complication of a cervical spinal cord injury, which can affect the autonomic nervous system and impair the function of the gastrointestinal system. A cervical spinal cord injury can cause spinal shock, which leads to decreased peristalsis and paralytic ileus.

Choice C reason: Polyuria. This answer is incorrect because polyuria is not a complication of a cervical spinal cord injury, but rather a condition that can occur after the resolution of spinal shock. Polyuria can result from the loss of sympathetic control over the renal system, leading to increased urine output and decreased antidiuretic hormone secretion.

Choice D reason: Weakened gag reflex. This answer is correct because weakened gag reflex is a complication of a cervical spinal cord injury, which can affect the autonomic nervous system and impair the function of the respiratory system. A cervical spinal cord injury can cause damage to the cranial nerves that control the gag reflex, leading to difficulty swallowing, aspiration, and pneumonia.

Choice E reason: Hypotension. This answer is correct because hypotension is a complication of a cervical spinal cord injury, which can affect the autonomic nervous system and impair the function of the cardiovascular system. A cervical spinal cord injury can cause neurogenic shock, which leads to decreased sympathetic tone, vasodilation, and reduced cardiac output.

Choice A reason: Using log rolling to reposition the client is not advisable for a client who has increased ICP. Log rolling is a technique that involves moving the client as a unit, without flexing the spine, to prevent spinal cord injury. However, log rolling can also increase ICP by reducing venous drainage from the head and increasing cerebral blood volume. Therefore, the nurse should avoid log rolling the client unless there is a suspected spinal injury.

Choice B reason: Instructing the client to cough and breathe deep is not appropriate for a client who has increased ICP. Coughing and deep breathing can increase intrathoracic pressure, which can reduce venous return to the heart and increase ICP. Additionally, coughing and deep breathing can cause hyperventilation, which can lower the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood and cause cerebral vasoconstriction. This can reduce cerebral perfusion and oxygen delivery to the brain.

Choice C reason: Placing a warming blanket on the client is not recommended for a client who has increased ICP. A warming blanket can increase the body temperature, which can increase the metabolic rate and oxygen demand of the brain. This can worsen cerebral ischemia and edema. Moreover, a warming blanket can cause vasodilation, which can increase cerebral blood volume and ICP. Therefore, the nurse should maintain a normal body temperature for the client and avoid hyperthermia.

Choice D reason: Placing the client in a supine position is the best action for the nurse to take for a client who has increased ICP. The supine position is a way of lying on a table with the back, face, and abdomen facing upwards. It is used for various surgeries and examinations, such as cranial, cardiac, abdominal, and thoracic surgery. It can also prevent respiratory, skin, and circulatory problems. The supine position can help lower ICP by facilitating venous drainage from the head and reducing cerebral blood volume [^10^]. However, the nurse should also elevate the head of the bed to 30 degrees to optimize cerebral perfusion pressure and avoid neck flexion or rotation, which can impair venous drainage.