A nurse is planning a staff education session regarding biological weapons of mass destruction. Which of the following should he plan to include in the session? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A: A cervical spinal cord injury can impair the function of cranial nerves, leading to a weakened gag reflex and an increased risk of aspiration.

Choice B:Patients with spinal cord injuries are more likely to experience poikilothermia (difficulty regulating body temperature), but this often results in hypothermia, not hyperthermia, due to the loss of autonomic temperature control.

Choice C:Spinal shock, which often follows a spinal cord injury, can cause decreased or absent bowel sounds due to a temporary loss of autonomic function and decreased peristalsis.

Choice D:Depending on the level and severity of the injury, paralysis can occur, affecting motor function below the injury site. A cervical spinal cord injury may lead to quadriplegia (tetraplegia).

Choice E:Clients with spinal cord injuries are more likely to experience urinary retention, rather than polyuria, due to loss of bladder control and autonomic dysfunction. A foley catheter may be needed initially, followed by intermittent catheterization.

Choice F:Neurogenic shock, a potential complication of cervical spinal cord injuries, can cause hypotension due to the loss of sympathetic nervous system control over blood vessel tone, leading to vasodilation and bradycardia.

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because dabigatran does not affect the electrical activity of the heart or the conduction system. It does not slow down the ventricular response to the atrial impulses.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because dabigatran does not dissolve existing clots in the bloodstream. It only prevents new clots from forming.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because dabigatran reduces the risk of stroke in clients who have atrial fibrillation by preventing clot formation and reducing blood viscosity. Dabigatran is an anticoagulant medication that prevents the formation of blood clots in the heart and blood vessels. Atrial fibrillation is a condition where the atria beat irregularly and rapidly, which can cause blood to pool and clot in the heart chambers. These clots can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Dabigatran reduces the risk of stroke by preventing clot formation and reducing blood viscosity.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because dabigatran does not restore normal sinus rhythm in clients who have atrial fibrillation. It does not affect the heart rate or rhythm.