The Nurse Understands That When the Spinal Cord Is Injured

question 8

Multiple Choice

The nurse understands that when the spinal cord is injured, ischaemia results and oedema occurs. How should the nurse explain to the person the reason that the extent of injury cannot be determined for several days to a week?

• A)'The oedema extends the level of injury for two cord segments above and below the affected level.'
• B)'Tissue repair does not begin for 72 hours.'
• C)'Death of spinal nervous tissue does not occur until days after the injury.'
• D)'Neurons need time to regenerate, so stating the extent of the injury too early is not predictive of how the person progresses.'

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Definitions:

Somatic

Pertaining to or affecting the body, especially as distinguished from the mind or the environment.

Autonomic

Relating to the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions, such as heartbeat, digestion, and breathing.

Parasympathetic

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for conserving energy and slowing down the heart rate, involved in rest and digestion activities.

Central

Pertaining to the most important or core aspects of something, often in a system or theory.