While caring for a patient with a spinal cord injury (SCI), the nurse elevates the head of the bed, removes compression stockings, and continues to assess vital signs every 2 to 3 minutes while searching for the cause in order to prevent loss of consciousness or death. By practicing these interventions, the nurse is avoiding the most dangerous complication of autonomic dysreflexia, which is what condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most dangerous complication of autonomic dysreflexia is a sudden and severe elevation in blood pressure, which if left untreated can lead to seizures, stroke, or even death. The nurse's interventions, such as elevating the head of the bed and removing compression stockings, are aimed at relieving the triggering stimuli and preventing the dangerous elevation in blood pressure. The nurse's frequent monitoring of vital signs is essential for detecting any signs of autonomic dysreflexia early on and intervening accordingly.

While Caring for a Patient with a Spinal Cord Injury