Question

Two life-threatening complications which may be encountered in a patient with a cervical spinal cord injury are ______.

1) Paralysis of the facial muscles and of the diaphragm
2) Paralysis of the neck muscles and a ruptured diaphragm
3) Neurogenic shock and ruptured diaphragm
4) Inadequate breathing effort and neurogenic shock

Answer 1

In a patient with a cervical spinal cord injury, inadequate breathing effort and neurogenic shock are two life-threatening complications due to paralysis affecting breathing muscles and the loss of autonomic nervous system function.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two life-threatening complications that may be encountered in a patient with a cervical spinal cord injury are inadequate breathing effort and neurogenic shock. When the spinal cord is damaged at the level of the neck, it can lead to paralysis which affects the ability to breathe, as the muscles responsible for breathing, including the diaphragm, may become paralyzed. Neurogenic shock happens due to the loss of autonomic nervous system function below the level of the injury and can result in low blood pressure and reduced heart rate, requiring immediate medical intervention.