A nurse is caring for a patient who has a T-4 spinal cord injury. Which of the following patient findings should the nurse identify as placing the at risk for developing autonomic dysreflexia?
The patient states having nasal congestion.
The patient's blood pressure becomes elevated.
The patient's bladder becomes distended.
The patient states having a severe headache.
The Correct Answer is C
A. The patient states having nasal congestion. – Incorrect. Nasal congestion is a symptom of autonomic dysreflexia, not a trigger.
B. The patient’s blood pressure becomes elevated. – Incorrect. Hypertension is a symptom of autonomic dysreflexia, not the cause.
C. The patient’s bladder becomes distended. – Correct Answer. Bladder distention is the most common trigger of autonomic dysreflexia, a life-threatening condition causing sudden hypertension, bradycardia, and severe headache. Immediate intervention is needed, such as catheterizing the bladder.
D. The patient states having a severe headache. – Incorrect. A severe headache is a symptom of autonomic dysreflexia, not a cause.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Placing a pillow under the patient's head is inappropriate because it may obstruct the airway and does not prevent aspiration.
B. Loosening restrictive clothing can be helpful but is not the priority over airway protection.
C. Clearing the area of hazards is important to prevent injury, but airway protection takes precedence.
D. Positioning the patient in a side-lying position is the priority to maintain airway patency and reduce the risk of aspiration in case of vomiting.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Bradycardia is not a typical sign of hypoglycemia; tachycardia is more common.
B. A fruity odor on the breath is a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (hyperglycemia).
C. Vomiting is more common in hyperglycemia/DKA rather than hypoglycemia.
D. Hypoglycemia presents with cool, clammy skin, sweating, confusion, and tremors due to the release of epinephrine.
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