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

Choice A reason: Autonomic dysreflexia is a life-threatening condition triggered by noxious stimuli below the level of spinal cord injury, such as bladder distention. It leads to sudden hypertension, profuse sweating, and a severe headache due to unregulated sympathetic discharge. Choice B reason: Pain and burning during urination may indicate a urinary tract infection but are not hallmark signs of autonomic dysreflexia. Choice C reason: Chest pain and dyspnea are not typical features of autonomic dysreflexia and may suggest cardiac or pulmonary pathology instead. Choice D reason: Hypotension and venous pooling are more consistent with neurogenic shock, not autonomic dysreflexia, which is characterized by hypertension and vasoconstriction.