What is a major risk when providing aquatic therapy for patients with tetraplegia?

Providing aquatic therapy for patients with tetraplegia carries unique risks, with respiratory compromise being a major concern. This population often has significant impairments in respiratory function due to the loss of neurological control over the muscles required for breathing. In the water, these patients may have difficulty maintaining proper breathing mechanics or responding to changes in their environment, such as water immersion, which can exacerbate respiratory issues.

Aquatic therapy can be beneficial, but it is crucial to monitor the patient's respiratory status continuously. The buoyancy of water can help provide support, but if the patient experiences respiratory distress, it can lead to severe complications, including hypoxia. Proper assessment and precautions must be in place to ensure that patients can breathe adequately while participating in aquatic activities.

Other considerations, such as cardiovascular issues, fear of water, and infection, are important but do not pose as immediate and critical a risk as respiratory complications in this specific demographic during aquatic therapy.