Question

A client has a cervical spine injury at the level of C5. Which of the following conditions would the nurse anticipate during the acute phase?

A. Absent corneal reflex
B. Decerebrate posturing
C. Movement of only the right or left half of the body
D. The need for mechanical ventilation

Answer 1

For a C5 cervical spine injury, mechanical ventilation would often be required due to the impairment of diaphragm function and potential respiratory difficulties.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a client has a cervical spine injury at the level of C5, the nurse would anticipate the need for mechanical ventilation during the acute phase. This is because the C5 level of the spinal cord is responsible for innervating the diaphragm via the phrenic nerve. A high cervical injury often results in the impairment of respiratory muscles, making it difficult or impossible for the client to breathe unaided.