The nursing assessment confirms that the client has experienced loss of voluntary motor and sensory function of both upper and lower extremities, as well as bowel and bladder control, due to a spinal cord injury (SCI)

Question

The nurse recognizes that which of the following is true regarding this client? Select all that apply. 1. The injury was likely a result of trauma to the C1 to C4 level of the spinal cord.
2. Tetraplegia is a term that describes these neurological deficiencies.
3. All deep tendon reflexes are affected.
4. This client has experienced an incomplete spinal injury.
5. The client is likely to regain only limited motor control.

Answer 1

1. The injury was likely a result of trauma to the C1 to C4 level of the spinal cord.
2. Tetraplegia is a term that describes these neurological deficiencies.
3. All deep tendon reflexes are affected.

Rationale: The injury was likely a result of trauma to the C1 to C4 level of the spinal cord. An injury at this level will exhibit all of the identified symptoms. Tetraplegia is a term that describes these neurological deficiencies. Injuries involving the cervical spinal cord will result in tetraplegia (a Greek term; quadriplegia is the Latin term), or loss of motor and sensory function involving both upper extremities, both lower extremities, bowel, and bladder. All deep tendon reflexes are affected. The client's injuries would result in deep tendon reflex involvement. This client has experienced an incomplete spinal injury. A complete spinal cord injury indicates complete loss of voluntary motor and sensory functions below the level of injury. The client is likely to regain only limited motor control. The damage to the spinal cord in this type of injury is irreversible.