Which clinical manifestation should a nurse monitor for in a patient suspected of having spinal shock?

In the context of spinal shock, bradycardia is a significant clinical manifestation that should be monitored closely. Spinal shock occurs due to a sudden loss of autonomic control following a spinal cord injury, which can lead to various physiological changes. One of the hallmark signs of this condition is bradycardia, where the heart rate decreases significantly. This is because spinal shock can disrupt the autonomic regulation of heart function, leading to unopposed vagal tone and resulting in a slower heart rate.

Other symptoms associated with spinal shock include hypotension and loss of reflexes below the injury level, but in the context of the choices provided, bradycardia stands out. It is critical for nurses to monitor heart rate in these patients, as significant deviations can indicate the severity of the condition and influence management strategies.

In contrast, while fever, headache, and coughing might pertain to various other medical conditions or complications, they are not specific indicators of spinal shock. Monitoring these other symptoms can be important in a broader context of patient care but do not directly relate to the immediate assessment of spinal shock.