Which intervention would the nurse perform first for a client with a spinal cord injury experiencing autonomic dysreflexia?

• A. Assess for the Cause
• B. Place the Client in Sitting Position
• C. Check the Client for Fecal Impaction
• D. Give an Alpha Blocker Prophylactically

Answer: (B)

Autonomic dysreflexia is a life-threatening surge of blood pressure triggered by a noxious stimulus below a spinal cord injury. The fastest way to protect the brain and heart is to place the person in a sitting position, or raise the head of the bed, because elevating the patient aids venous pooling and lowers mean arterial pressure quickly. Once the blood pressure begins to come down, the nurse then identifies and removes the triggering stimulus, such as a full bladder, bowel impaction, or tight clothing. Prophylactic alpha blockers aren’t used as the first step in this emergency.