A home care nurse is caring for a client who has advanced multiple sclerosis.

Exhibits

Select the 5 complications the client is at risk for.

Choice A rationale:

"Uneven shoulder and pelvic heights." This is the correct answer. Uneven shoulder and pelvic heights, along with an asymmetrical appearance of the spine when viewed from the back, are clinical manifestations of scoliosis. Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that often develops during the growth spurt before puberty. Screening for scoliosis typically involves assessing the alignment of the spine and looking for these asymmetries.

Choice B rationale:

Exaggerated curvature of the sacrum is not a typical sign of scoliosis. Scoliosis primarily affects the upper back and can cause a side-to-side curvature of the spine, not the sacrum.

Choice C rationale:

Limited range-of-motion of the hips is not a specific indicator of scoliosis. Restricted hip movement might suggest other musculoskeletal issues but is not directly related to scoliosis.

Choice D rationale:

Mild pain in the hip region is not a characteristic symptom of scoliosis. While scoliosis can cause discomfort, it typically manifests as back pain, not specifically in the hip region. Pain symptoms can vary widely among individuals and might not be present in all cases of scoliosis.

Choice A rationale:

Consuming foods high in bran fiber can help regulate bowel movements and alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Fiber adds bulk to the stool and can prevent constipation, a common symptom in IBS patients. Adequate dietary fiber intake is generally recommended for individuals with IBS.

Choice B rationale:

Increasing intake of foods high in gluten might worsen symptoms in individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Gluten-containing foods can trigger gastrointestinal distress in susceptible individuals and should be avoided if gluten intolerance is present.

Choice C rationale:

Some individuals with IBS are lactose intolerant, which means they have difficulty digesting milk products. Increasing intake of milk products can exacerbate symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea in these individuals. It is important to assess the client's tolerance to lactose-containing foods before recommending their consumption.

Choice D rationale:

Sweetening foods with fructose corn syrup may worsen symptoms in individuals with IBS. Fructose is a type of sugar that can cause gastrointestinal distress in some people, especially those with fructose malabsorption. Recommending sweeteners with low fructose content would be more appropriate for individuals with IBS.