You are a neuro trauma nurse working in a neuro ICU. What would you know is an acute emergency and is seen in clients with a cervical or high thoracic spinal cord injury after the spinal shock subsides?
A) Tetraplegia
B) Areflexia
C) Autonomic dysreflexia
D) Paraplegia

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially life-threatening emergency that can occur in clients with cervical or high thoracic spinal cord injury after spinal shock has subsided. It is caused by a response of the autonomic nervous system to a painful or noxious stimulus below the level of injury, resulting in a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure. Symptoms include sudden onset of bradycardia, hypertension, headache, sweating, flushing, nasal congestion, and piloerection. Prompt recognition and treatment are necessary to prevent serious complications such as seizures, stroke, or even death. Tetraplegia and paraplegia are not acute emergencies but rather refer to the extent of paralysis (quadriplegia or paraplegia) resulting from a spinal cord injury. Areflexia refers to the absence of reflexes and may be present in spinal shock but is not an emergency.

You Are a Neuro Trauma Nurse Working in a Neuro