The patient is admitted with injuries that were sustained in a fall. During the nurse's first assessment upon admission, the findings are: blood pressure 90/60 (as compared to 136/66 in the emergency department), flaccid paralysis on the right side, absent bowel sounds, zero urine output, and palpation of a distended bladder. These signs are most consistent with which condition?

Question

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The patient's low blood pressure, flaccid paralysis, absent bowel sounds, zero urine output, and distended bladder suggest neurogenic shock. This type of shock occurs as a result of damage to the spinal cord, which disrupts the sympathetic nervous system's ability to maintain vascular tone and regulate heart rate. This leads to hypotension, bradycardia, and loss of autonomic control over bladder and bowel function. Paraplegia (A) refers to paralysis of both lower extremities, while high cervical injury (C) would result in tetraplegia (paralysis of all four extremities) and respiratory compromise. Temporary hypovolemia (D) may be a contributing factor but does not account for all of these findings.

The Patient Is Admitted with Injuries That Were Sustained in a Fall