A client arrives to the emergency department after falling from a ladder. The client has a loss of sensation and flaccid paralysis. Which of the following complications of an acute spinal cord injury does the nurse suspect?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not include this in teaching. Massaging the affected side multiple times a day can trigger an acute onset of trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that causes severe pain in one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), which innervates the face. The pain can be triggered by touch, pressure, or movement of the face. The nurse should advise the client to avoid touching or stimulating the affected side.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not include this in teaching. Applying ice directly to
the skin can trigger an acute onset of trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia can be triggered by temperature changes or cold stimuli on the face. The nurse should advise the client to avoid exposure to cold air or wind and to protect their face with a scarf or mask.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not include this in teaching. Providing pureed consistency foods can trigger an acute onset of trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia can be triggered by chewing, swallowing, or talking. The nurse should advise the client to eat soft foods that do not require much chewing and to avoid hot or spicy foods that can irritate the mouth.

Choice D reason: This is correct because the nurse should include this in teaching. Considering alternative therapies such as yoga, biofeedback or meditation can help prevent triggering an acute onset of trigeminal neural

Choice A Reason: Providing written materials and visual aids is not necessary for a client who has hearing at 15 dB, which is considered normal hearing. Normal hearing ranges from 0 to 20 dB, meaning that the person can hear sounds that are as faint as 20 dB or less.

Choice B Reason: Using American Sign Language is not appropriate for a client who has hearing at 15 dB, which is considered normal hearing. American Sign Language is a form of communication that uses hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning. It is mainly used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Choice C Reason: Shouting at the client from 6 inches away is not advisable for a client who has hearing at 15 dB, which is considered normal hearing. Shouting can be perceived as rude or aggressive, and can damage the hearing of both the speaker and the listener.

Choice D Reason: Speaking to the client in an everyday conversational tone is the best action for a client who has hearing at 15 dB, which is considered normal hearing. Conversational speech ranges from 40 to 60 dB, meaning that the person can hear sounds that are as loud as 60 dB or less.