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 the correct answer because bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate antibiotic therapy to prevent complications and death.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because documenting intake and output is not a priority action for a child with bacterial meningitis. Fluid balance is important, but not as urgent as antibiotic administration.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because reducing environmental stimuli is a supportive measure that can help reduce headache and photophobia, but it is not a priority action for a child with bacterial meningitis. The nurse should focus on preventing infection spread and monitoring for signs of increased intracranial pressure.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because maintaining seizure precautions is a preventive measure that can help protect the child from injury, but it is not a priority action for a child with bacterial meningitis. The nurse should administer anticonvulsants as prescribed and observe for seizure activity, but the main goal is to treat the infection.

Choice A Reason: Colorectal cancer is not likely to cause nausea with projectile vomiting or high-pitched sounds in the left upper quadrant. Colorectal cancer may cause symptoms such as rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or weight loss.

Choice B Reason: Paralytic ileus is a condition where the bowel stops working and does not contract or move food along. Paralytic ileus may cause symptoms such as abdominal distension, absence of bowel sounds, constipation, or vomiting.

Choice C Reason: Large bowel obstruction is a blockage of the colon or rectum that prevents the passage of stool. Large bowel obstruction may cause symptoms such as abdominal distension, low-pitched sounds in the right lower quadrant, constipation, or ribbon-like stools.

Choice D Reason: Small bowel obstruction is a blockage of the small intestine that prevents the passage of food and fluids. Small bowel obstruction may cause symptoms such as nausea with projectile vomiting, high-pitched sounds in the left upper quadrant, abdominal cramps, or dehydration.