EP 18 - Autonomic Dysreflexia

Autonomic dysreflexia is a true nursing emergency, and knowing how to respond can save your client from life-threatening complications. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down what happens when a noxious stimulus below a spinal cord injury sets off an unregulated sympathetic response. 

You’ll learn how to recognize the key signs—sudden hypertension, bradycardia, facial flushing, and a pounding headache—and why your first move shouldn’t be to grab the meds. From elevating the head of the bed to troubleshooting catheters, this episode walks you through what to do first, what to check next, and why this condition can escalate fast. 

Morgan shares a real-life story of a teen with a T4 spinal cord injury and how one missed detail almost led to serious complications—and what turned it around. 

Topics covered in this episode: 

• What autonomic dysreflexia is and why it’s a medical emergency 

• The anatomy behind sympathetic overdrive and parasympathetic response 

• Classic signs and symptoms: headache, high BP, bradycardia, flushing above injury 

• The #1 priority nursing intervention—and what to do after 

• NCLEX-style question breakdown and rationale for test day 

Whether you're reviewing for neuro exams or brushing up for clinicals, this one’s a must-listen. Because when it comes to autonomic dysreflexia, recognition and rapid response save lives. 

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