Autonomic Dysreflexia Flashcards
A complication for SCI at or above T6 due to unopposed sympathetic response below the level of injury. It occurs after the resolution of spinal shock.
Autonomic Dysreflexia
True or False: In autonomic dysreflexia, signs and symptoms are composed of parasympathetic response
FALSE: Sympathetic response
Sympathetic responses in Autonomic dysreflexia are:
Overdistended bladder Full rectum Infection Skin stimulation Pressure injuries, pain ELevation of BP Severe headaches (First sx) Nasal congestion SOB N & V Blurred vision Facial flushing Diaphoresis Piloerection Anxiety
What should you do if the patient is in a supine position in managing autonomic dysreflexia?
Sit the patient up
At what interval, VS should be monitored
Every 5 minutes
In catheter insertion, ___ should be instilled 5 minutes before the insertion
Lidocaine jelly
For instigating causes of autonomic dysreflexia, at what system should we go first?
Urinary system
If an indwelling catheter is present, what should we do?
Check system for kinks and obstructions to flow
Irrigate the bladder with a small sterile amount of fluids, utilizing a strict aseptic technique
If not draining, remove the catheter and replace it.
At what systolic blood pressure level should we consider rapid onset, short duration antihypertensive agent?
> 150 mm Hg
If acute symptoms persist, suspect what?
Fecal impaction
In fecal impaction, what steps should we do?
Instill lidocaine into the rectum and wait for 5 minutes
Perform digital examination to check for the presence of sto
TRUE OR FALSE: If signs of autonomic dysreflexia persist while performing the digital examination, stop re-examination, and wait for 5 minutes to re-examine.
False: 20 minutes
If no stool is found in performing the digital examination, what next?
Consider administration of laxative
