Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers Related

Review Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers related questions and content

A patient with a spinal cord injury at the level of T6 presents with hypotension, bradycardia, and diaphoresis following a sudden change in position from supine to sitting. Which condition is the patient most likely experiencing?

  • A. Autonomic dysreflexia
  • B. Neurogenic shock
  • C. Spinal shock
  • D. Orthostatic hypotension
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient is most likely experiencing autonomic dysreflexia. Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in individuals with spinal cord injuries at the level of T6 or above. It is characterized by a sudden onset of severe hypertension, bradycardia, diaphoresis, flushing, and headache in response to a noxious stimulus below the level of injury. The sudden change in position from supine to sitting likely triggered autonomic dysreflexia in this patient.