NCLEX RN Physiological Integrity Related

Review NCLEX RN Physiological Integrity related questions and content

The nurse is planning care for a client who has experienced a T3 spinal cord injury. The nurse should include which intervention in the plan to prevent autonomic dysreflexia (hyperreflexia)?

  • A. Assist the client to develop a daily bowel routine to prevent constipation.
  • B. Teach the client to manage emotional stressors by using mental imaging.
  • C. Assess vital signs and observe for hypotension, tachycardia, and tachypnea.
  • D. Administer dexamethasone orally per the primary health care provider's prescription.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially life-threatening condition and may be triggered by bladder distention, bowel distention, visceral distention, or stimulation of pain receptors in the skin. A daily bowel program eliminates this trigger. Options 3 and 4 are unrelated to this specific condition. A client with autonomic hyperreflexia would be severely hypertensive and bradycardic. Removal of the stimuli results in prompt resolution of the signs and symptoms.