A patient with a spinal cord injury at T3-T4 experiences a sudden increase in blood pressure (BP) and has cool, pale, gooseflesh skin on the lower extremities. What should the nurse do while awaiting physician orders? (Select all that apply.?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are indicative of autonomic dysreflexia, a condition that can occur in patients with spinal cord injuries above T6. It is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency characterized by sudden onset of excessively high blood pressure. Key interventions include monitoring BP frequently to assess for changes, checking if the urinary catheter is blocked (as a full bladder is a common trigger), and checking for fecal impaction, another potential trigger. Placing the patient in a supine position could potentially increase the risk of further elevating the blood pressure, and while elastic stockings might help with circulation, they do not address the immediate cause of autonomic dysreflexia.

A Patient with a Spinal Cord Injury at T3-T4 Experiences