Which vital sign change is most likely to occur in a client experiencing autonomic dysreflexia?

In autonomic dysreflexia, the most significant and characteristic vital sign change that occurs is an increased blood pressure. This phenomenon occurs primarily in individuals with spinal cord injuries, especially those with injuries at or above the T6 level.

In this condition, a noxious stimulus below the level of the spinal injury—such as a distended bladder or bowel obstruction—triggers an exaggerated sympathetic response. This response leads to vasoconstriction in the peripheral blood vessels, resulting in a substantial rise in blood pressure. The body's inability to appropriately regulate and respond to this elevated pressure due to the compromised autonomic nervous system is what makes autonomic dysreflexia a critical situation requiring prompt intervention.

Recognizing this vital sign change is crucial for healthcare providers, as it indicates a medical emergency that needs immediate attention to identify and remove the source of the noxious stimulus, thereby preventing severe complications like hypertensive crisis or stroke.