The nurse is reviewing discharge instructions for a patient with a spinal cord injury to T-10 going home with an indwelling urinary catheter.
What would the nurse emphasize about catheter care? (Select All that Apply.)

Choice A rationale

Scheduled voiding relies on the patient’s ability to control bladder function, which is ineffective in cases of a flaccid bladder caused by spinal cord injuries.

Choice B rationale

External catheters, such as condom catheters, are suited for patients with partial bladder control but are not appropriate for flaccid or atonic bladder management.

Choice C rationale

Indwelling urinary catheters may be used short-term but pose higher risks of urinary tract infections and are not optimal for long-term management of flaccid bladder.

Choice D rationale

Intermittent catheterization is the preferred method for managing flaccid bladder, ensuring complete bladder emptying while minimizing infection risks compared to indwelling catheters.

Choice A rationale

IV fluid bolus may address hypotension but is not the first priority. Symptoms of dizziness and diaphoresis in a spinal cord injury patient suggest autonomic dysreflexia or orthostatic hypotension requiring positional changes first.

Choice B rationale

Rescheduling therapy does not address the acute symptoms the patient is experiencing. Immediate action to manage dizziness and diaphoresis, such as altering body position, is required to stabilize the patient.

Choice C rationale

Lowering the head of the bed counters orthostatic hypotension, a common issue in spinal cord injury patients. Obtaining vital signs identifies the underlying cause and guides further interventions.

Choice D rationale

Bladder distention can trigger autonomic dysreflexia, but without evidence of urinary retention, prioritizing positional adjustments is more urgent to alleviate symptoms of dizziness and stabilize hemodynamics.