A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for a client who has a spinal cord injury and spasm-induced incontinence. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate a prescription for?

Choice A Reason:

Nutritional therapy is not appropriate. While nutritional therapy may be involved in assessing the client's overall nutritional status and dietary needs, it may not specifically address the swallowing difficulty associated with Parkinson's disease.

Choice B Reason:

Speech therapy is appropriate. Speech therapy, also known as speech-language pathology, plays a crucial role in assessing and managing dysphagia. Speech therapists can evaluate the client's swallowing function and provide interventions to improve swallowing safety and efficiency.

Choice C Reason:

Occupational therapy is incorrect. Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals engage in meaningful activities of daily living. While occupational therapists may play a role in dysphagia management, speech therapy is typically the primary discipline involved in addressing swallowing difficulties.

Choice D Reason:

Respiratory therapy: Respiratory therapy primarily focuses on evaluating and managing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and ventilator support. While dysphagia can sometimes lead to aspiration pneumonia and respiratory complications, respiratory therapists are not typically involved in the assessment and management of dysphagia itself.

Choice A Reason:

Sedatives do not impact the risk of obstructive sleep apnea: This statement is incorrect. Sedatives, particularly those that cause muscle relaxation or depress the central nervous system, can exacerbate obstructive sleep apnea by further relaxing the muscles of the upper airway, leading to increased airway collapse during sleep.

Choice B Reason:

CPAP compliance enhances quality of sleep is correct. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Compliance with CPAP therapy, meaning consistent and proper use of the CPAP device during sleep, is essential for effectively managing sleep apnea and improving sleep quality.

Choice C Reason:

Alcohol does not affect the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. This statement is incorrect. Alcohol consumption can worsen obstructive sleep apnea by promoting muscle relaxation in the upper airway, leading to increased airway collapse and more frequent episodes of apnea during sleep.

Choice D Reason:

Obesity increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. This statement is correct. Obesity is a significant risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea. Excess fat tissue around the neck can increase the likelihood of airway obstruction during sleep, contributing to the development or worsening of sleep apnea.

Choice E Reason:

Positional therapy enhances client comfort is correct. Positional therapy involves strategies to encourage sleeping in positions that minimize the severity of obstructive sleep apnea, particularly for individuals with positional OSA (where apnea events are primarily or significantly worse when sleeping in specific positions, such as supine). This statement is correct.

Choice F Reason:

Smoking increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea: This statement is correct. Smoking can increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea due to its effects on upper airway inflammation and respiratory function. Smoking cessation can be beneficial in managing sleep apnea and improving overall health.