A Patient with Severe Nerve Pain from Spinal Cord Compression

question 33

Multiple Choice

A patient with severe nerve pain from spinal cord compression is considering surgery to sever the nerves and relieve the pain. What should the nurse encourage the patient to consider prior to having this surgery?

• A) There may be loss of motor function associated with the nerves that will be severed.
• B) The surgery will need to be repeated when the nerves regenerate.
• C) Pain medication will still be needed after the surgery.
• D) The patient will be a paraplegic after the surgery.

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Definitions:

Negative Selection

A process in the immune system where T cells that strongly react against self-antigens are eliminated to prevent autoimmunity.

Lymphocytes

A subtype of white blood cell found in lymph that plays a crucial role in the immune response by identifying and neutralizing pathogens.

Self-antigens

Molecules present within an individual's own cells that are recognized by the immune system as belonging to the self, preventing an immune response against them.

Phagocytosis

A cellular process where cells engulf and digest particles or other cells.