When assessing a patient with a possible spinal cord injury, which of the following should be monitored?

Monitoring hypotension in a patient with a possible spinal cord injury is critical due to the potential for neurogenic shock, which can occur after an injury to the spinal cord. This condition is characterized by a sudden loss of sympathetic nervous system activation, leading to vasodilation and a resultant drop in blood pressure. Consequently, patients may experience significant hypotension that requires immediate intervention.

While hyperventilation, acidosis, and sudden weight loss can all be relevant in various medical contexts, they are not as directly linked to the immediate assessments needed for spinal cord injuries. Hyperventilation may occur due to anxiety or pain and is less of a priority in the acute management of spinal injuries. Acidosis can result from various metabolic conditions or respiratory issues but is not a primary concern specifically tied to spinal cord injuries. Sudden weight loss is not a usual symptom that would be monitored in the acute setting of a spinal injury and is more relevant to long-term patient evaluations. Thus, hypotension stands out as the key parameter to monitor due to its direct implications on circulation and overall patient stability in the context of spinal cord injury.