The nurse suspects that a patient with spinal cord injury (SCI) is experiencing autonomic dysreflexia. The nurse elevates the head of the bed and removes the patient's compression stockings while searching for the cause of this response. Performing these interventions helps to avoid which very dangerous complication of autonomic dysreflexia?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Autonomic dysreflexia is characterized by sudden and severe hypertension that can lead to stroke, hemorrhage or cardiac dysrhythmias. Elevating the head of the bed and removing any constrictive clothing or equipment can decrease the blood pressure and prevent these complications. Hypoxia, bradycardia, and tachycardia can occur as a result of autonomic dysreflexia, but they are not as dangerous as the sudden elevation in blood pressure.

The Nurse Suspects That a Patient with Spinal Cord Injury