A patient with acute spinal cord injury at the T4 level presents with severe pounding headache, diaphoresis above the injury level, and profound bradycardia. What is the initial nursing action?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. Elevate the head of the bed to 90 degrees and loosen tight clothing

Answer: Elevate the head of the bed to 90 degrees and loosen tight clothing.
Why not the others: Supine positioning with elevated legs increases intracranial blood volume and worsens severe hypertension in autonomic dysreflexia; Beta-blockers can worsen underlying reflex bradycardia; Endotracheal suctioning triggers vagal discharge and worsens bradycardia without addressing the causative noxious stimulus.

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