A nurse is caring for six clients. Which of the following clients are at risk for developing peripheral neuropathy (PN)?
(Select All that Apply.)

Choice A Reason:

"It will be necessary to take a stool softener to keep you from becoming constipated." This instruction is correct. Individuals with spinal cord injuries often experience bowel dysfunction, including constipation, due to decreased mobility and impaired bowel function. Stool softeners can help soften the stool and facilitate easier bowel movements, reducing the risk of constipation and associated complications such as fecal impaction.

Choice B Reason:

"Suprapubic catheterization might have to be done if you are unable to catheterize yourself." This instruction is correct. Suprapubic catheterization involves the insertion of a catheter through the abdominal wall directly into the bladder to drain urine. It may be necessary if the client is unable to perform intermittent catheterization independently or if other methods of bladder management are ineffective or contraindicated.

Choice C Reason:

"You will need to learn how to do self-intermittent catheterization to drain your bladder." This instruction is correct. Self-intermittent catheterization involves inserting a catheter into the bladder to drain urine at regular intervals. It is a commonly used method of bladder management for individuals with spinal cord injuries to prevent urinary retention and bladder distention.

Choice D Reason:

"Do not drink fluids excessively as this may cause diarrhea," is not typically included in bowel and bladder management instructions for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Hydration is important for overall health and may help prevent complications such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and constipation. Therefore, option D is not appropriate for inclusion in the teaching for a client with a complete spinal cord injury.

Choice E Reason:

"To achieve a bowel movement, daily digital stimulation will need to be done." This instruction is incorrect. Digital stimulation involves gently stimulating the rectum with a lubricated gloved finger to initiate a bowel movement. It can help individuals with spinal cord injuries who have neurogenic bowel dysfunction to stimulate bowel motility and facilitate bowel evacuation.

Choice A Reason:

Hypertension is correct. This is a modifiable risk factor for stroke. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, significantly increases the risk of stroke. Treating and controlling hypertension through lifestyle changes and medication can help reduce the risk of stroke.

Choice B Reason:

Client's age is incorrect. While age itself is not modifiable, age is a non-modifiable risk factor for stroke. Risk of stroke increases with age, particularly in individuals over 55 years old. However, other modifiable risk factors can be addressed to reduce overall risk.

Choice C Reason:

History of sickle cell disease is incorrect. Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin in red blood cells. While sickle cell disease increases the risk of certain complications, such as stroke in children, it is not a modifiable risk factor in the traditional sense.

Choice D Reason:

Parent who has cardiovascular disease is incorrect. While having a parent with cardiovascular disease may indicate a genetic predisposition to certain risk factors, it is not a direct modifiable risk factor for stroke. However, individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease may have increased awareness and motivation to address modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, and diabetes.