NR 443 CHAPTER 29: SPINAL CORD INJURY | COMPLETE GUIDE

A nurse explains that the spinal cord extends from the brainstem to the level of which vertebra? a. Last thoracic b. Second lumbar c. First sacral d. Coccygeal On admission to the emergency department, a patient with a C5 compression fracture can move only his head and has flaccid paralysis of all extremities. The distraught family asks if the paralysis is permanent. What is the best response by the nurse? a. “Yes. In all likelihood, the paralysis is probably permanent.” b. “No. Significant recovery of function should occur in a few days.” c. “It is too early to tell. When the spinal shock subsides, we will know more.” d. “You should talk to your physician about things of that nature.” . Which assessment would indicate the resolution of spinal shock? a. Extension and rigidity in affected limbs b. Spastic involuntary movements in affected limbs c. Tingling and burning in affected limbs d. Voluntary purposeful movements of affected limbs What technique should the nurse implement to move the impaired legs of a patient with an SCI to avoid stimulation muscle spasm? a. Firmly grasping the calf muscle and the thigh muscle b. Manipulating the limb by supporting the knee and ankle joints c. Holding the foot upright and slowly dragging the limb into position d. Requesting assistance to support the calf and thigh . When recording the findings of muscle strength, a nurse records a 2 for the right arm. How should his score be interpreted? a. Weak contraction b. Muscle movement when supported c. Active muscle movement without support d. Full, active range-of-motion exercises against resistance