Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

For a patient with signs of autonomic dysreflexia during rehabilitation, what is the most immediate course of action?

1. Administer medication

2. Assess for obstruction of the urinary catheter line or any irritating stimuli

3. Notify the physician

4. Reassess vital signs

The correct answer is: Assess for obstruction of the urinary catheter line or any irritating stimuli

In a situation involving a patient showing signs of autonomic dysreflexia, the most immediate course of action is to assess for obstruction of the urinary catheter line or any irritating stimuli. Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially life-threatening condition often seen in individuals with spinal cord injuries above T6, where certain stimuli can lead to an exaggerated autonomic response, resulting in significant increases in blood pressure and other symptoms such as headache, flushing, and sweating. The first step in managing this condition is to identify and eliminate any triggering factors, which commonly include bladder distension due to a blocked catheter or skin irritations. By assessing for these issues, healthcare providers can directly address the root cause of the dysreflexia, which is crucial in preventing further complications or exacerbation of the condition. Once any potential irritants are identified and addressed, other actions, such as monitoring vital signs, notifying the physician, or administering medication, can be considered, but they are secondary to resolving the immediate issue that is causing the autonomic dysreflexia.