What respiratory change can be anticipated in a patient with a spinal cord injury at level C4?
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Correct answer: Diaphragmatic paralysis likely requiring ventilatory support
Injury at C4 or above may impair the phrenic nerve innervation of the diaphragm, reducing breathing ability and often requiring mechanical ventilation.
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More Trauma Nursing: Head and Spinal Cord Injury questions
- What presentation characterizes neurogenic shock in the acute phase of spinal cord injury?
- Why is monitoring intracranial pressure (ICP) recommended for head-injured patients?
- Why is elevating the head of the bed to 20-30° recommended for head-injured patients?
- Which nursing intervention is essential for a patient with high-level spinal cord injury to prevent respiratory complications?
- What target range should the nurse set the ventilator to maintain PaCO₂ for a head-injured patient with a GCS of 6?
- What does sudden onset headache, flushed skin above the injury level, and elevated blood pressure indicate in a patient with a spinal cord…