In spinal shock, what dysfunction may a nurse expect?

In spinal shock, the most common dysfunction a nurse might expect is bladder dysfunction. This occurs due to the interruption of neural pathways that control the bladder as a result of spinal cord injury. The absence of normal reflexes contributes to a loss of bladder control, leading to urinary retention or incontinence.

During spinal shock, there is often a temporary loss of all reflexes below the level of the injury, which includes reflexes that manage urinary function. Patients may experience difficulty in voiding or may not sense the fullness of the bladder, leading to a higher risk of urinary tract infections and other complications.

Other options, while they may relate to different types of dysfunction, are not typically associated with spinal shock. Respiratory distress may occur with higher spinal cord injuries affecting the diaphragm but is not a direct result of spinal shock itself. Muscle rigidity is more often seen in conditions like spasticity but not usually in the temporary state of spinal shock. Enlarged pupils can result from increased intracranial pressure or other neurological issues, rather than being a direct consequence of spinal shock.