What is the treatment for autonomic dysreflexia?

What is the treatment for autonomic dysreflexia?

• A. Eliminate the cause, such as relieving bladder distension or treating skin irritation
• B. Administer vasopressors
• C. Induce diuresis
• D. Apply heat therapy

Answer: (A)

Autonomic dysreflexia is treated first by removing the triggering stimulus that sets off the sudden, excessive sympathetic response. In practice, this means checking for and relieving bladder distension (empty or catheterize if needed), addressing bowel distension or impaction, and removing other irritants such as tight clothing or skin injuries. By eliminating the noxious stimulus below the level of injury, the reflex surge that raises blood pressure subsides and the patient’s blood pressure begins to fall. If blood pressure remains high after the trigger is removed, position the patient upright to help reduce pressure and follow protocol for rapid BP control as needed.Giving vasopressors would worsen the crisis, diuresis does not address the underlying trigger, and heat therapy isn’t a treatment for this condition. The key is promptly eliminating the stimulus to stop the hypertensive crisis.

Autonomic dysreflexia is treated first by removing the triggering stimulus that sets off the sudden, excessive sympathetic response. In practice, this means checking for and relieving bladder distension (empty or catheterize if needed), addressing bowel distension or impaction, and removing other irritants such as tight clothing or skin injuries. By eliminating the noxious stimulus below the level of injury, the reflex surge that raises blood pressure subsides and the patient’s blood pressure begins to fall. If blood pressure remains high after the trigger is removed, position the patient upright to help reduce pressure and follow protocol for rapid BP control as needed.Giving vasopressors would worsen the crisis, diuresis does not address the underlying trigger, and heat therapy isn’t a treatment for this condition. The key is promptly eliminating the stimulus to stop the hypertensive crisis.