A nurse is assessing a client who has a spinal cord injury. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect with neurogenic shock? (Select all that apply.)
(Select All that Apply.)

Choice A Reason:

A client with a decreased potassium level is incorrect. Hypokalemia (decreased potassium level) can cause various neurological symptoms, but it doesn't directly lead to osmotic cerebral edema.

Choice B Reason:

When plasma glucose levels are rapidly lowered, an osmotic gradient develops between the brain and plasma, which can lead to cerebral edema.Brain cells pull water from the plasma, resulting in widespread edema.

Choice C Reason:

While HbA1c is an important marker of diabetes control and may indicate poor long-term management, it does not directly relate to the acute metabolic derangements (e.g., rapid osmotic shifts, severity of acidosis) that predispose to cerebral edema in DKA.

Choice D Reason:

A client with an increased creatinine level is incorrect. Elevated creatinine levels typically indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration, but they don't directly cause osmotic cerebral edema.

Choice A Reason:

Sexual intercourse is correct. Stimulation of the genitalia or other areas below the level of injury can trigger autonomic dysreflexia in individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Choice B Reason:

Tight clothing is correct. Any form of tight or restrictive clothing, including belts or waistbands, can stimulate the body below the level of injury and trigger autonomic dysreflexia.

Choice C Reason:

Nausea is incorrect. While nausea itself is not a common trigger for autonomic dysreflexia, it may occur as a result of the condition. Autonomic dysreflexia can cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, due to the sudden increase in blood pressure.

Choice D Reason:

Surgery below the level of injury is correct. Surgical procedures performed below the level of the spinal cord injury can lead to stimulation of the body below the injury site, triggering autonomic dysreflexia.

Choice E Reason:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) is correct. Infections of the urinary tract, especially those involving the bladder or urethra, can stimulate the body below the level of injury, leading to autonomic dysreflexia.