A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic respiratory acidosis due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect with this client?

Choice A Reason:

Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is false. This subtype of MS is characterized by a gradual worsening of symptoms from the onset of the disease, without distinct relapses or remissions. It typically leads to a progressive accumulation of disability over time, without periods of remission. The pattern described by the client, with alternating periods of active symptoms and symptom-free periods, does not align with the continuous progression seen in PPMS.

Choice B Reason:

Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is true. RRMS is characterized by distinct relapses, during which new symptoms may appear or existing symptoms may worsen, followed by periods of partial or complete recovery (remissions), during which the symptoms improve or may even disappear entirely. This pattern matches the description provided by the client, indicating RRMS as the likely subtype.

Choice C Reason:

Clinically isolating syndrome (CIS) is false. CIS refers to a single episode of neurological symptoms caused by inflammation or demyelination in the central nervous system, which may or may not progress to MS. However, CIS does not involve the characteristic pattern of relapses and remissions seen in RRMS.

Choice D Reason:

Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) is false. SPMS is characterized by a gradual worsening of symptoms and disability over time, following an initial period of relapsing-remitting disease. It may or may not involve distinct relapses and remissions, depending on the individual's disease course. While SPMS can involve periods of symptom exacerbation, it typically lacks the clear pattern of relapses followed by remissions seen in RRMS.

Choice A Reason:

Placing the client on clear liquids might not be appropriate in this situation because absent bowel sounds in the lower abdominal quadrants could indicate a more serious gastrointestinal issue such as ileus or bowel obstruction. Clear liquids may exacerbate these conditions and are not sufficient to address the underlying problem. Therefore, this option is not recommended until the cause of absent bowel sounds is identified and addressed.

Choice B Reason:

Performing a hemoccult blood test is not directly relevant to the situation described. Hemoccult tests are used to detect occult (hidden) blood in stool, which can be indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding. While it's important to assess for gastrointestinal bleeding in some cases, absent bowel sounds in the lower abdominal quadrants suggest a more immediate concern related to gastrointestinal motility rather than bleeding. Therefore, this option is not the most appropriate action at this time.

Choice C Reason:

Inserting a nasogastric tube is the most appropriate action in this scenario. Absent bowel sounds in a client with a spinal cord injury can indicate neurogenic bowel dysfunction, which may lead to abdominal distention and discomfort. Inserting a nasogastric tube can help decompress the stomach and intestines, reducing the risk of complications such as aspiration and providing relief from discomfort. It can also help manage gastrointestinal complications until further assessment and interventions can be implemented.

Choice D Reason:

Forcing the intake of fluids may not be appropriate without further assessment and could potentially worsen the client's condition if there is an underlying gastrointestinal issue leading to absent bowel sounds. Additionally, forcing fluids may not address the potential issue of gastrointestinal bleeding.