What sign is indicative of recovery in a patient with a spinal cord injury?

An increase in deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) is indicative of recovery in a patient with a spinal cord injury because it suggests the re-establishment of neuronal activity and connections that were previously disrupted. Following a spinal cord injury, patients often experience a temporary loss of reflexes below the injury site due to disrupted nerve pathways. As recovery progresses, the return of these reflexes indicates that the nervous system is regaining function and that there may be some level of neural regeneration or reorganization occurring.

Other choices, such as bradycardia, edema, and moderating respiratory rate, do not signify recovery. Bradycardia may indicate autonomic dysfunction or complications from the injury rather than improvement. Edema can be indicative of inflammation or complications in the acute phase post-injury, not necessarily recovery. Moderating respiratory rate may suggest stability but does not specifically reflect the improvement or recovery of spinal cord function like the return of deep tendon reflexes does.