A nurse is teaching a group of student nurses about populations at higher risk for multiple sclerosis. Which of the following demographics should be included in the teaching?
(Select All that Apply.)

Choice A Reason:

Pleural cavity decompression via needle aspiration is inappropriate. Pleural cavity decompression via needle aspiration may be indicated in cases of tension pneumothorax, a potentially life-threatening condition in which air accumulates in the pleural space and compresses the lung. While it is an intervention rather than a diagnostic tool, it may be performed emergently if tension pneumothorax is suspected based on clinical findings.

Choice B Reason:

Focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) is appropriate. FAST is a bedside ultrasound examination commonly used in trauma settings to rapidly assess for the presence of free fluid in the pericardial, pleural, and peritoneal spaces. It can help identify hemopericardium, hemothorax, or intra-abdominal hemorrhage, which may be indicative of thoracic injury.

Choice C Reason:

Chest x-ray is appropriate. Chest x-ray is a commonly used imaging modality for evaluating thoracic injuries. It can help visualize abnormalities such as rib fractures, pneumothorax, hemothorax, pulmonary contusions, or other traumatic injuries to the chest.

Choice D Reason:

Thoracentesis is appropriate. Thoracentesis is a procedure used to sample fluid from the pleural space for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. It may be indicated if there is a suspicion of pleural effusion or if fluid accumulation is seen on imaging studies such as chest x-ray or ultrasound.

Choice E Reason:

Ultrasound is appropriate. Ultrasound can be used to evaluate various aspects of thoracic injuries, including the presence of pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pleural effusion. It is often used as part of the FAST examination but can also be performed separately for more detailed assessment.

Choice A Reason:

"It will be necessary to take a stool softener to keep you from becoming constipated." This instruction is correct. Individuals with spinal cord injuries often experience bowel dysfunction, including constipation, due to decreased mobility and impaired bowel function. Stool softeners can help soften the stool and facilitate easier bowel movements, reducing the risk of constipation and associated complications such as fecal impaction.

Choice B Reason:

"Suprapubic catheterization might have to be done if you are unable to catheterize yourself." This instruction is correct. Suprapubic catheterization involves the insertion of a catheter through the abdominal wall directly into the bladder to drain urine. It may be necessary if the client is unable to perform intermittent catheterization independently or if other methods of bladder management are ineffective or contraindicated.

Choice C Reason:

"You will need to learn how to do self-intermittent catheterization to drain your bladder." This instruction is correct. Self-intermittent catheterization involves inserting a catheter into the bladder to drain urine at regular intervals. It is a commonly used method of bladder management for individuals with spinal cord injuries to prevent urinary retention and bladder distention.

Choice D Reason:

"Do not drink fluids excessively as this may cause diarrhea," is not typically included in bowel and bladder management instructions for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Hydration is important for overall health and may help prevent complications such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and constipation. Therefore, option D is not appropriate for inclusion in the teaching for a client with a complete spinal cord injury.

Choice E Reason:

"To achieve a bowel movement, daily digital stimulation will need to be done." This instruction is incorrect. Digital stimulation involves gently stimulating the rectum with a lubricated gloved finger to initiate a bowel movement. It can help individuals with spinal cord injuries who have neurogenic bowel dysfunction to stimulate bowel motility and facilitate bowel evacuation.