Question

A client with a T1 spinal cord injury arrives at the emergency department with a BP of 82/40, pulse 34, dry skin, and flaccid paralysis of the lower extremities. Which of the following conditions would most likely be suspected?

A. Autonomic dysreflexia
B. Hypervolemia
C. Neurogenic shock
D. Sepsis

Answer 1

The most likely condition to be suspected in a client with a T1 spinal cord injury presenting with low blood pressure, slow heart rate, dry skin, and flaccid paralysis of the lower extremities is neurogenic shock. Hence the correct answer is option C

Step-by-step explanation:

The client in question has a T1 spinal cord injury and is presenting with a BP of 82/40, pulse 34, dry skin, and flaccid paralysis of the lower extremities. Based on these symptoms, the most likely condition to be suspected is neurogenic shock.

Neurogenic shock occurs as a result of cranial or spinal injuries that damage the cardiovascular centers in the medulla oblongata or the nervous fibers originating from this region. It is characterized by low blood pressure, a slow heart rate, peripheral vasodilation, and loss of sympathetic tone.

Other options such as autonomic dysreflexia, hypervolemia, and sepsis can be ruled out based on the symptoms described.

Hence the correct answer is option C