Which of the following is a possible consequence of leaving a full bladder unattended in a quadriplegic patient?

A full bladder in a quadriplegic patient can lead to autonomic dysreflexia due to the disruption of normal sympathetic nervous system responses. This condition occurs when there is a noxious stimulus below the level of injury, which in this case could be the distention of the bladder. Since quadriplegic patients often lack the ability to sense or respond to bladder fullness, the resulting stimulus can trigger a massive sympathetic response.

Autonomic dysreflexia is characterized by uncontrolled hypertension, bradycardia, flushing above the level of injury, and other symptoms, which are particularly concerning because they can lead to severe complications such as stroke. This physiological response occurs because the body is unable to interpret the pain signals properly, leading to a heightened state of sympathetic activity due to the body's failure to regulate blood pressure and heart rate effectively.

In contrast, hyperventilation, respiratory failure, and hypoxia are not directly tied to the issue of a full bladder in the same clear manner as autonomic dysreflexia. These conditions are more typically related to respiratory issues or inadequate oxygenation rather than the effects of bladder distention.