Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

In autonomic dysreflexia, which symptom is most likely to occur?

1. High blood pressure

2. Increased heart rate

3. Bronchoconstriction

4. Excessive sweating

The correct answer is: High blood pressure

High blood pressure is a hallmark symptom of autonomic dysreflexia, which is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in individuals with spinal cord injuries, particularly those with injuries at or above the T6 level. This condition arises when there is an exaggerated autonomic response to a noxious stimulus below the level of injury, leading to a sudden spike in blood pressure. Increased sympathetic nervous system activity results in vasoconstriction in the peripheral blood vessels, which raises blood pressure significantly. This response is often coupled with a reflex bradycardia due to increased blood pressure, but the predominant and most notable symptom is the hypertension. While other symptoms like increased heart rate, bronchoconstriction, and excessive sweating may also occur in autonomic dysreflexia, they are not as characteristic nor as critical as the high blood pressure. Managing high blood pressure promptly is essential to prevent complications associated with this condition.