A 17-year old was injured after diving into shallow water. He was transported to the emergency department where imaging indicated he suffered a spinal cord injury. Based on this information, what mechanism likely caused the spinal cord injury?
hyperextension
compression
flexion-rotation
flexion
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Rationale: hyperextension is when the neck is bent backward beyond its normal range of motion. This can happen in a rear-end collision or a fall on the back of the head.
Choice B Rationale: A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord or the surrounding structures, such as the vertebrae, ligaments, or discs. The most common cause of spinal cord injury is trauma, which can result from direct impact, penetration, or excessive force on the spine. Diving into shallow water can cause compression of the spine, which means that the vertebrae are pushed together and squeeze the spinal cord. This can damage the nerve fibers and disrupt the communication between the brain and the body. Compression injuries can affect any part of the spine, but are more common in the cervical and thoracic regions.
Choice C Rationale: flexion-rotation is when the neck is bent and twisted at the same time. This can happen in a sports injury or a violent assault.
Choice D Rationale: This is when the neck is bent forward beyond its normal range of motion. This can cause the posterior part of the vertebral column to compress and fracture, while the anterior part of the spinal cord is stretched and injured. This can happen in a head-on collision or a fall on the face. A flexion-rotation is when the neck is bent and twisted at the same time.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Rationale: Notifying the physician may be necessary if troubleshooting the issue does not resolve the problem, but it is not the initial step.
Choice B Rationale: The nurse should first check the tubing of the indwelling urinary catheter for any kinks, twists, or obstructions that might prevent the urine flow. This is a simple and non-invasive intervention that can resolve the problem quickly and easily.
Choice C Rationale: Removing the indwelling catheter is not advisable without proper assessment and intervention, as it can lead to complications.
Choice D Rationale: Replacing the indwelling catheter is not the first step and should only be done if the problem cannot be resolved through assessment and interventions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Rationale: Quadriplegia is a type of paralysis that affects all four limbs and the trunk, usually caused by an injury to the cervical spine (C1-C8).
Choice B Rationale: Incomplete loss of function refers to the extent of injury and whether some neurological function remains, not the level of injury.
Choice C Rationale: CA injury refers to cervical spine injury, which is the most common level of spinal cord injury.
Choice D Rationale: Hyperextension, like other mechanisms of injury (such as compression, flexion, or flexion-rotation), can contribute to spinal cord injury but does not define the level of injury.
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