What findings would the nurse expect when caring for a client who is experiencing spinal shock?

Choice A reason: Hypotension and a decreased level of consciousness can occur in spinal shock due to the disruption of the sympathetic nervous system, but these are not the hallmark features. They are more secondary effects rather than the primary presentation.Choice B reason: Stridor, garbled speech, or inability to clear the airway are not typical findings in spinal shock. These symptoms are more indicative of airway obstruction or respiratory distress, which are not directly related to spinal shock.Choice C reason: Bradycardia and decreased urinary output can occur in spinal shock due to the loss of sympathetic tone, leading to unopposed parasympathetic activity. While these are relevant symptoms, they do not encompass the full scope of spinal shock.Choice D reason: The primary findings in spinal shock are the temporary loss of motor, sensory, reflex, and autonomic function below the level of the spinal injury. This includes flaccid paralysis, loss of reflexes, and autonomic dysfunction, such as hypotension and bradycardia. These symptoms are the most defining characteristics of spinal shock.