Autonomic Dysreflexia

Question 1

Autonomic dysreflexia occurs in clients with what type of injury?

Answer 1

Spinal cord injury - T 6 or above

Question 2

What can cause autonomic dysreflexia

Answer 2

Stimuli such as a full bladder or fecal impaction

Question 3

Why is autonomic dysreflexia so serious

Answer 3

It is life threatening due to becoming extremely hypertensive

Question 4

Most common cause of autonomic dysreflexia

Answer 4

Urinary Obstruction

Question 5

S/S of autonomic dysreflexia

Answer 5

Increased BP of 40, headache, bradycardia, blurred vision, sweating

Question 6

What should be done for autonomic dysreflexia attack

Answer 6

Place client in high fowlers, check for bladder distention, loosen restrictive clothing

Question 7

autonomic dysreflexia treatment

Answer 7

Remove stimuli
Void or have bowel movement as fecal impaction may be present

Question 8

Clinical Priorities for autonomic dysreflexia

Answer 8

Check for kinks in caths - common cause of AD