The nurse is instructing a patient, recovering from a spinal cord injury, on ways to prevent the onset of autonomic dysreflexia. Which of the following should be included in these instructions?

Question

1. avoid tight clothing and sudden temperature changes
2. do not become overly hungry
3. limit pain medication
4. restrict fluids

Answer 1

1

Rationale: Factors that contribute to the onset of autonomic dysreflexia include: bladder distention/spasm; bowel impaction, stimulation of anal reflex, labor, temperature change, ingrown toenails, tight, irritating clothing, urinary tract infection, pressure ulcer development, and pain. The patient should be instructed to avoid these factors to prevent the onset of autonomic dysreflexia. Being overly hungry will not precipitate autonomic dysreflexia. Pain is a contributing factor so limiting pain medication should not be instructed to the patient. Restricting fluids should not be instructed to the patient unless there is another physiological condition that warrants this restriction.