The nurse suspects a patient with a spinal cord injury is experiencing spinal shock. What did the nurse assess to come to this conclusion?
a. Flaccid paralysis and lack of sensation below the level of the injury
b. Loss of voluntary motor control, but presence of reflex activity below the level of the injury
c. Falling blood pressure and rising pulse accompanied by reduced level of consciousness
d. Loss of motor control below the level of the injury with sensations of touch and position intact
ANS: A
Immediately following a spinal cord injury, the cord below the injury stops functioning completely. This leads to a loss of motor and sensory functions as well as reflexes. B. C. D. Falling blood pressure and rising pulse indicate shock from blood loss or cardiovascular cause.
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