A patient with a recent high thoracic spinal cord injury has a blood pressure of 78/44 mmHg, a pulse of 48 beats per minute and warm, dry skin. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
Correct answer: A. Neurogenic shock caused by loss of sympathetic tone
- A. Neurogenic shock caused by loss of sympathetic tone
- B. Hypovolemic shock caused by excessive fluid loss
- C. Septic shock caused by an unrecognized infection
- D. Obstructive shock caused by a pulmonary embolus
Explanation
Neurogenic shock can follow spinal cord injury and causes hypotension, bradycardia and warm, dry skin because sympathetic vasoconstriction is lost. Hypovolemic shock usually produces tachycardia and cool, clammy skin unless another condition changes the response.
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Covers nursing assessment and management of stroke, epilepsy, meningitis, raised intracranial pressure, head injury, spinal cord disorders, Parkinson disease and multiple sclerosis. Key areas include level of consciousness, pupil responses, motor and sensory findings, seizure precautions and distinguishing upper motor neuron from lower motor neuron signs.
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