What is the immediate action if autonomic dysreflexia occurs during activity?

What is the immediate action if autonomic dysreflexia occurs during activity?

• A. Hydrate
• B. Ignore and continue
• C. Increase intensity
• D. Remove triggering stimulus to prevent stroke or death

Answer: (D)

Autonomic dysreflexia is a medical emergency for someone with a spinal cord injury at or above the T6 level. It causes a sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure in response to a noxious stimulus below the injury. The immediate action is to remove the triggering stimulus to relieve the high blood pressure and prevent stroke or death. Identify and address common triggers—such as a full bladder or kinked catheter, bowel impaction, tight clothing, or pressure sores. While removing the trigger, have the person sit upright to help lower blood pressure and monitor their condition. If blood pressure remains high after removing the trigger, seek urgent medical care.

Autonomic dysreflexia is a medical emergency for someone with a spinal cord injury at or above the T6 level. It causes a sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure in response to a noxious stimulus below the injury. The immediate action is to remove the triggering stimulus to relieve the high blood pressure and prevent stroke or death. Identify and address common triggers—such as a full bladder or kinked catheter, bowel impaction, tight clothing, or pressure sores. While removing the trigger, have the person sit upright to help lower blood pressure and monitor their condition. If blood pressure remains high after removing the trigger, seek urgent medical care.