The client inquires what the positive result from the potassium hydroxide (KOH) test indicates. Which of the following is an accurate response by the nurse?

Choice A Reason: Hemorrhage is not a complication of an acute spinal cord injury, but rather a possible cause of it. Hemorrhage can occur due to trauma or rupture of blood vessels in or around the spinal cord, leading to compression and damage of the nerve tissue.

Choice B Reason: This is the correct choice. Spinal shock is a complication of an acute spinal cord injury that occurs within minutes to hours after the injury. It is characterized by loss of sensation, motor function, reflexes, and autonomic function below the level of injury. It is caused by transient disruption of nerve conduction and synaptic transmission in the spinal cord.

Choice C Reason: Apoptosis is not a complication of an acute spinal cord injury, but rather a cellular process that occurs after it. Apoptosis is programmed cell death that occurs in response to injury or stress. It can lead to further loss of neurons and glial cells in the spinal cord over time.

Choice D Reason: Neurogenic shock is a complication of an acute spinal cord injury that occurs within hours to days after the injury. It is characterized by hypotension, bradycardia, and peripheral vasodilation due to loss of sympathetic tone and unopposed parasympathetic activity. It is caused by disruption of autonomic pathways in the spinal cord.

Choice A Reason: This is the correct choice. Washing towels, sheets, and pillowcases is a home care instruction that the nurse will offer to the client, as it prevents reinfection and transmission of bacteria or viruses. The client has conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the conjunctiva or thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the eyelids. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or irritants.

Choice B Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Using antifungal drops 3 times a day is not a home care instruction that the nurse will offer to the client, as it is not effective for conjunctivitis. Antifungal drops are used for fungal infections of the eye, which are rare and usually occur after trauma or surgery. The client may need antibiotic or antiviral drops, depending on the cause of conjunctivitis.

Choice C Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Scheduling a sexually transmitted infection (STI/STD) exam is not a home care instruction that the nurse will offer to the client, as it is not relevant for conjunctivitis. STIs can affect the eyes, but they usually cause different symptoms, such as redness, pain, or discharge from the urethra or vagina. The client may need to be tested for STIs if they have other risk factors or signs of infection.

Choice D Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Avoiding going outside during daylight hours is not a home care instruction that the nurse will offer to the client, as it is not necessary for conjunctivitis. The client may experience sensitivity to light, but they can wear sunglasses or avoid direct sunlight to protect their eyes. The client should also avoid rubbing or touching their eyes, wear glasses instead of contact lenses, and discard any eye makeup or cosmetics that may be contaminated.