A nurse is caring for a client who has a spinal cord injury at the first thoracic level. Which of the following should the nurse recognize can trigger autonomic dysreflexia?
(Select All that Apply.)

Choice A Reason:

"Do panting breaths several times a day." This statement is inappropriate. Panting breaths involve rapid, shallow breathing similar to what a dog does when it's hot. This technique may not be as effective in clearing mucus or promoting lung expansion compared to deep coughing. While panting breaths may have some benefits in promoting ventilation and increasing lung volume, they may not be as targeted or efficient in preventing atelectasis as other techniques such as deep coughing

Choice B Reason:

"Perform deep coughing twice a day." This statement is correct. Deep coughing helps clear mucus and secretions from the airways, reducing the risk of blockages that can lead to atelectasis. It promotes airway clearance and lung expansion, maintaining respiratory function. Regular deep coughing is particularly important for individuals with spinal cord injuries, as they may have impaired cough reflexes or weakened respiratory muscles, increasing their vulnerability to atelectasis.

Choice C Reason:

"Strengthen your chest muscles by performing therapy exercises." This statement is incorrect. While strengthening chest muscles through therapy exercises can be beneficial for overall respiratory health, it may not directly target the prevention of atelectasis. Atelectasis is primarily caused by the collapse of lung tissue due to mucus buildup or reduced lung expansion, rather than weakness of chest muscles. While therapy exercises may have other benefits such as improving respiratory function and endurance, they may not be the most effective strategy for preventing atelectasis in individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Choice D Reason:

"Get plenty of rest throughout the day." This statement is incorrect. Rest is important for overall health and well-being, but it may not directly contribute to the prevention of atelectasis. Inactivity and prolonged bed rest can actually increase the risk of atelectasis by reducing lung expansion and promoting mucus accumulation in the airways. While adequate rest is necessary for recovery and energy conservation, it should be balanced with activities that promote lung expansion and airway clearance, such as deep breathing exercises and mobility.

Choice A Reason:

"Cerebral edema is caused by osmotic cerebral edema.": While osmotic imbalances can contribute to cerebral edema in certain situations, such as in cases of hyponatremia or hypertonic solutions, this response does not specifically address the underlying mechanism of cerebral edema in meningitis.

Choice B Reason:

"Cerebral edema is caused by whole body inflammation which affects the brain the most.": While inflammation plays a role, this statement is too broad. Meningitis specifically involves inflammation of the meninges (protective layers around the brain and spinal cord) rather than whole-body inflammation.

Choice C Reason:

"Cerebral edema is caused by the by-products of the pathogen that causes the meningitis.":This statement is partially correct. In bacterial or viral meningitis, the inflammatory response triggered by the pathogen can lead to cerebral edema. The release of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators contributes to cerebral edema.

Choice D Reason:

"Cerebral edema is caused by cerebrospinal fluid flowing from the intraventricular space to the interstitial area of the brain.": This response inaccurately describes the mechanism of cerebral edema. Cerebral edema typically occurs due to increased fluid accumulation within the brain tissue rather than the flow of cerebrospinal fluid between compartments.