The anxious mother of an adolescent who sustained a spinal injury yesterday and has paralysis of the lower limbs asks if the paralysis is permanent. Which response by the nurse is most helpful?
a. "Motor function sometimes returns after the edema of the spinal cord has sub-sided."
b. "Motor function may improve, but there will always be a deficit."
c. "In all likelihood the paralysis will be permanent."
d. "The physician is the best source for that information."
A
Until spinal cord edema has subsided, the extent or the permanency of the paralysis cannot be evaluated. It would be incorrect to indicate that there will definitely be a deficit or paralysis. Not addressing the question and suggesting only to talk to the physician will likely frighten the par-ent.
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