The nurse is providing care for a client with a recent transverse colostomy. Which observation requires immediate notification of the primary health care provider?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because this comment does not require reporting to the client's provider. It is normal to have reduced vision and an increased risk of falling with a patch on one eye after cataract surgery. The nurse should reassure the client, provide assistance with mobility, and educate the client on safety measures.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because this comment does not require reporting to the client's provider. It is normal to have some itching and discomfort in the eye after cataract surgery. The nurse should commend the client for not rubbing the eye, as this can cause infection or damage to the surgical site. The nurse should also administer anti-inflammatory eye drops as prescribed and instruct the client on how to apply them.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because this comment does not require reporting to the client's provider. It is normal to have increased sensitivity to light in the eye after cataract surgery. The nurse should dim the lights in the room, provide sunglasses or a shield for the eye, and educate the client on how to protect the eye from bright light.

Choice D reason: This is the correct answer because this comment requires reporting to the client's provider. Severe pain in the eye after cataract surgery can indicate a complication such as infection, inflammation, bleeding, or increased intraocular pressure. The nurse should assess the eye for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or bleeding, and report the findings and the pain level to the provider. The nurse should also administer analgesics as prescribed and monitor the pain relief.

Choice A Reason: A distended bladder is one of the most common triggers of autonomic dysreflexia, which is a life-threatening condition that occurs in clients with spinal cord injuries above T-6. The bladder becomes overfilled and stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing vasoconstriction and hypertension.

Choice B Reason: A severe headache is one of the most common symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia, caused by the increased blood pressure in the brain. The headache may be accompanied by blurred vision, sweating, flushing, or anxiety.

Choice C Reason: An elevated blood pressure is the hallmark sign of autonomic dysreflexia, which can reach dangerously high levels and cause stroke, seizure, or death. The blood pressure may rise up to 300/160 mmHg or higher.

Choice D Reason: Nasal congestion is another possible trigger of autonomic dysreflexia, as it stimulates the nasal mucosa and activates the sympathetic nervous system. Other potential triggers include bowel impaction, skin irritation, tight clothing, or temperature changes.