Question

Which choice best describes what the underlying pathophysiology is in a patient with spinal shock?

1) Paralysis to only one side of the body that does not resolve
2) Inadequate circulation indicated by a rapid pulse and cool, clammy skin
3) Paralysis of the respiratory muscles, occurring with injury to the thoracic spine
4) Dilation of the blood vessels resulting in reduction of perfusion to tissues

Answer 1

Spinal shock involves a sudden loss of spinal reflexes below the level of injury, often accompanied by poor perfusion due to vasodilation. Among the options provided, dilation of blood vessels resulting in the reduction of perfusion to tissues (choice 4) best describes the condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The underlying pathophysiology in a patient with spinal shock involves the sudden loss of reflexes below the level of spinal injury, which can lead to symptoms like paralysis and loss of sensation. While neurogenic shock is a form of vascular shock associated with cranial or spinal injuries that affect the cardiovascular centers in the medulla oblongata or the nervous fibers originating from this region, it particularly leads to the dilation of blood vessels, resulting in poor perfusion to tissues. In this context, spinal shock often accompanies a traumatic injury resulting in paralysis.

The most accurate choice that describes spinal shock among the options given would be: 4) Dilation of the blood vessels resulting in reduction of perfusion to tissues. This occurs because the injury interrupts sympathetic nervous system output leading to unopposed parasympathetic tone, which causes widespread vasodilation and can impair blood flow to various organs.