The nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with an incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) that has resulted in central cord syndrome. The nurse expects that: Select all that apply

Question

1. The client has preexisting degenerative bone changes.
2. This is likely a result of a hyperextension injury to the cervical spine.
3. Function, if restored, will occur first in the hands.
4. Prognosis for recovery is poor.
5. Loss of function will be greatest in the lower extremities.

Answer 1

1. The client has preexisting degenerative bone changes.
2. This is likely a result of a hyperextension injury to the cervical spine.

Rationale: The client has preexisting degenerative bone changes. Central cord syndrome is the most common incomplete SCI. This injury can occur at any age, but is seen most frequently in older patients who have degenerative bony changes in the cervical spine resulting in narrowing of the overall diameter of the spinal canal. This is likely a result of a hyperextension injury to the cervical spine. It most often is caused by a hyperextension injury resulting in damage to the center of the spinal cord. Function, if restored, will occur first in the hands. The typical pattern of recovery is return of lower extremity function first followed by return of bladder function. Recovery of hand intrinsic function is variable and often the last to return. Prognosis for recovery is poor. The overall prognosis for recovery from this injury is generally favorable. Loss of function will be greatest in the lower extremities. There is greater loss of motor and sensory function in the upper extremities than in the lower extremities.