While caring for a spinal cord-injured client, the nurse notes that he is flushed and sweating profusely, complaining of headache and nausea, and that his blood pressure is elevated with a slow pulse rate. The priority intervention should be to
A) administer antihypertensive medication.
B) check for a distended bladder.
C) elevate the head of the bed to a sitting position.
D) notify the physician immediately.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If autonomic dysreflexia does occur, elevate the head of the bed to a sitting position immediately, check the blood pressure, check for possible sources of irritation, remove the stimulus if it can be done quickly, administer antihypertensive medications per order, if needed, and notify the physician.

While Caring for a Spinal Cord-Injured Client, the Nurse Notes