Autonomic Dysreflexia Flashcards
(4 cards)
What are the signs and symptoms of AD?
Facial flushing, headache, blurred vision, nausea, nasal congestion, muscle spasms, anxiety
These symptoms result from the body’s exaggerated sympathetic response.
What are the causes of AD?
Spinal cord injury
AD is commonly associated with injuries at or above the T6 level.
What is the pathophysiology of AD?
Pain stimulus activates and sends signals to the spinal cord via intact peripheral nerves. The CNS detects this input and triggers a sympathetic response below the level of injury, causing widespread vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure. The brain senses hypertension but cannot effectively respond due to the spinal injury.
The brain sends inhibitory signals and activates the vagus nerve, but these actions are ineffective.
What are some nursing interventions and rationale for AD?
Position upright to
promote gas exchange,
optimise lung
expansion and lower BP
Administer O2 as
prescribed to reduce
the risk of hypoxia
Ensure oral secretions
are cleared to minimise
aspiration risk
Ensure patient is
repositioned regularly
to prevent atelectasis
and maximise air entry
for effective gas
exchange
Administer metoprolol
as prescribed to
decreased blood
pressure and reduce
the risk of a rise in
intracranial pressure
