A nurse is providing teaching about potential complications to a client who has a spinal cord injury. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching as a common complication of spinal cord injuries?
(Select All that Apply.)

Choice A Reason:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is inappropriate.COPD is a chronic lung disease characterized by airflow limitation. While COPD does not directly cause spinal stenosis, some individuals with COPD may have comorbidities or risk factors, such as osteoporosis or degenerative changes in the spine, which can contribute to spinal stenosis.

Choice B Reason:

Laminectomy is appropriate. A laminectomy is a surgical procedure used to decompress the spinal cord or nerves by removing the lamina (back part of the vertebra). While a laminectomy can be a treatment option for spinal stenosis, it is not a risk factor for developing the condition.

Choice C Reason:

Hysterectomy is inappropriate. Hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus, is not directly associated with spinal stenosis. However, certain conditions or factors leading to a hysterectomy, such as pelvic tumors or endometriosis, may indirectly contribute to spinal stenosis if they cause changes in the spine or affect posture.

Choice D Reason:

Hyperthyroidism is appropriate. Hyperthyroidism, a condition characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormones, is not a known risk factor for spinal stenosis.

Choice A Reason:

"Do panting breaths several times a day." This statement is inappropriate. Panting breaths involve rapid, shallow breathing similar to what a dog does when it's hot. This technique may not be as effective in clearing mucus or promoting lung expansion compared to deep coughing. While panting breaths may have some benefits in promoting ventilation and increasing lung volume, they may not be as targeted or efficient in preventing atelectasis as other techniques such as deep coughing

Choice B Reason:

"Perform deep coughing twice a day." This statement is correct. Deep coughing helps clear mucus and secretions from the airways, reducing the risk of blockages that can lead to atelectasis. It promotes airway clearance and lung expansion, maintaining respiratory function. Regular deep coughing is particularly important for individuals with spinal cord injuries, as they may have impaired cough reflexes or weakened respiratory muscles, increasing their vulnerability to atelectasis.

Choice C Reason:

"Strengthen your chest muscles by performing therapy exercises." This statement is incorrect. While strengthening chest muscles through therapy exercises can be beneficial for overall respiratory health, it may not directly target the prevention of atelectasis. Atelectasis is primarily caused by the collapse of lung tissue due to mucus buildup or reduced lung expansion, rather than weakness of chest muscles. While therapy exercises may have other benefits such as improving respiratory function and endurance, they may not be the most effective strategy for preventing atelectasis in individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Choice D Reason:

"Get plenty of rest throughout the day." This statement is incorrect. Rest is important for overall health and well-being, but it may not directly contribute to the prevention of atelectasis. Inactivity and prolonged bed rest can actually increase the risk of atelectasis by reducing lung expansion and promoting mucus accumulation in the airways. While adequate rest is necessary for recovery and energy conservation, it should be balanced with activities that promote lung expansion and airway clearance, such as deep breathing exercises and mobility.