Question

A primary health care provider diagnoses fractures of the C3, C4, and C5 vertebrae in a patient who was in a car accident. The patient also developed cyanosis due to decreased tissue oxygenation. Which statement about the condition of the patient is incorrect?

Answer 1

The incorrect statement is that fractures of the C3, C4, and C5 would lead directly to cyanosis. The primary issues would be neurological and respiratory, and while cyanosis could be secondary due to compromised breathing, it's not a direct result of the fractures. Osteoporosis-related kyphosis affects the thoracic vertebrae due to decreased bone density.

Step-by-step explanation:

The incorrect statement about the health condition of a patient with fractures of the C3, C4, and C5 vertebrae is that this would lead to cyanosis due to decreased tissue oxygenation. While it is true that the cervical vertebrae perform vital functions such as supporting the head and allowing for head and neck movement, the primary consequence of damaging them is related to neurological and respiratory dysfunction, rather than directly causing cyanosis. Cyanosis could be a secondary condition due to compromised breathing if the phrenic nerve is affected. Defects in the thoracic cage, such as abnormal curvatures like kyphosis, are indeed significant issues. Kyphosis can occur as a result of vertebral osteoporosis, where decreased bone density and strength lead to a gradual collapse of the thoracic vertebrae.