A nurse is teaching a client who has a spinal cord injury about sexual stimulation. Which of the following statements by the nurse should be included in the teaching?

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.

Choice A Reason:

Prothrombin time (PT) is a laboratory test that measures the time it takes for blood to clot is incorrect. While PT may be part of a comprehensive evaluation in some cases, it is not typically the initial diagnostic test performed for a TIA. A TIA is caused by a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, often due to an embolus or transient blockage in a cerebral artery, rather than a primary disorder of blood clotting.

Choice B Reason:

Complete blood count (CBC) is incorrect. A complete blood count (CBC) is a common laboratory test that evaluates the cellular components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. While CBC can provide valuable information about hematological conditions such as anemia or thrombocytosis, it is not specific to diagnosing the cause of a TIA. TIA is primarily a vascular event related to transient ischemia in the brain rather than a disorder of blood cell counts.

Choice C Reason:

Computerized tomography angiography (CTA) is appropriate. CTA is a non-invasive imaging test that combines computed tomography (CT) scanning with contrast dye to visualize blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the brain. CTA can help identify any blockages, narrowing, or abnormalities in the blood vessels supplying the brain, which may be contributing to the TIA. It provides detailed images of the blood vessels' structure and can help guide further management and treatment decisions.

Choice D Reason:

Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is inappropriate. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is an imaging test that provides detailed images of the heart and major blood vessels using sound waves. While TEE may be indicated in some cases of TIA to evaluate for potential cardiac sources of emboli (blood clots), such as atrial fibrillation or cardiac valve abnormalities, it is not typically the first-line diagnostic test performed in the emergency department setting for evaluating a TIA. Initial imaging studies such as CTA or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain are usually prioritized to assess for acute changes in cerebral blood flow and potential causes of the TIA.