A client who had a C5 spinal cord injury 2 years ago is admitted to the emergency department (ED) with the diagnosis of autonomic dysreflexia secondary to a full bladder. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect this client to exhibit?

Choice A reason: Hypotension and venous pooling in the extremities are typically signs of neurogenic shock, which occurs immediately after a spinal cord injury. However, autonomic dysreflexia is characterized by severe hypertension, not hypotension. The symptoms in this scenario do not fit the presentation of autonomic dysreflexia.Choice B reason: Reports of chest pain and shortness of breath are not the primary symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia. While autonomic dysreflexia can cause a variety of symptoms due to uncontrolled sympathetic nervous system activity, the hallmark symptoms are severe hypertension and headache, along with other specific signs like diaphoresis.Choice C reason: Pain and a burning sensation upon urination and hematuria indicate a urinary tract infection or another urological issue, not autonomic dysreflexia. While a full bladder is a common trigger for autonomic dysreflexia, the symptoms described in this choice do not accurately reflect the condition.Choice D reason: Profuse diaphoresis and a severe, pounding headache are classic symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia. This condition results from an overactive autonomic nervous system response to stimuli below the level of the injury, such as a full bladder. The resulting vasoconstriction leads to severe hypertension and symptoms like headache and sweating above the level of injury.