A nurse is caring for a client who has degenerative disc disease.
Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse understand might develop with this condition? (Select All that Apply)

Choice A rationale
While emotional disorders and acute pain can occur after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), they are not considered secondary conditions. These are more immediate and direct results of the injury.
Choice B rationale
Loss of sensation and cognition difficulties are common secondary conditions that can develop after a TBI. These can be due to damage to specific areas of the brain during the injury.
Choice C rationale
Body dysmorphia and neurofibrillary tangles are not typically associated with TBI. Body dysmorphia is a psychological disorder, and neurofibrillary tangles are associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Choice D rationale
Decreased appetite and a lack of sleep can occur after a TBI, but they are more likely to be symptoms rather than secondary conditions. Secondary conditions are typically more long- term and are a result of changes in the brain after the injury.

Choice A rationale
Cushing’s Triad, which includes bradycardia (low heart rate), irregular respiration, and widened pulse pressure, is a nervous system response that could prevent brainstem ischemia. Brainstem ischemia is a condition where there is insufficient blood flow to the brainstem, which can lead to cell death.
Choice B rationale

While tachycardia (high heart rate) is a serious condition, it is not typically prevented by Cushing’s Triad.
Choice C rationale
Agonal breathing, which is characterized by gasping, labored breathing, particularly when lying flat, is not typically prevented by Cushing’s Triad.
Choice D rationale
Chest pain is not typically prevented by Cushing’s Triad. Cushing’s Triad is a response to increased intracranial pressure, not a cardiac condition.