In a client experiencing spinal shock, what gastrointestinal complication should a nurse monitor for?

In a patient experiencing spinal shock, the correct focus for monitoring gastrointestinal complications is the presence of a distended abdomen with an absence of bowel sounds. Spinal shock can lead to autonomic dysregulation due to disruption of the spinal cord's normal functions, particularly affecting the nerves that control the gastrointestinal tract.

When spinal shock occurs, the lack of sympathetic nervous system stimulation can result in a decreased peristaltic activity within the intestines. This can lead to a condition known as "areflexia," where bowel movements are significantly diminished or cease entirely, resulting in a distended abdomen. The absence of bowel sounds indicates hypoactive or absent bowel activity, which is a critical observation in this context.

Monitoring for such gastrointestinal complications is essential in these patients, as they can indicate serious issues such as bowel obstruction or ileus, which may require prompt intervention. Other gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea or increased bowel sounds are not typically associated with spinal shock; they reflect different underlying mechanisms in gastrointestinal motility. Nausea and vomiting, while possible, are also not the primary concerns in the context of spinal shock when compared to abdominal distension and lack of bowel sounds.