Autonomic Dysreflexia

۰ Sudden onset of severe, throbbing headache

۰ Severe, rapidly occurring hypertension

۰ Bradycardia

۰ Flushing above level of lesion (face and chest)

۰ Pale extremities below level of lesion

۰ Nasal stuffiness

۰ Sweating

۰ Nausea

۰ Blurred vision

۰ Piloerection

۰ Feeling of apprehension

Emergency Care of the Patient Experiencing Autonomic Dysreflexia: Immediate Interventions

۰ Place patient in sitting position (first priority!).

۰ Page/notify health care provider.

۰ Loosen tight clothing on the patient.

۰ Assess for and treat the cause.

۰ Check the urinary catheter tubing (if present) for kinks or obstruction.

۰ If a urinary catheter is not present, check for bladder distention and catheterize immediately if indicated.

۰ Place anesthetic ointment on tip of catheter before insertion.

۰ Check the patient for fecal impaction; if present, disimpact immediately using anesthetic ointment.

۰ Check the room temperature to ensure that it is not too cool or drafty.

۰ Monitor blood pressures every 10 to 15 minutes

۰ Give nitrates or hydralazine (Apresoline, Novo-Hylazin ) as prescribed.