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.

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

A cervical spine injury at the C5 level would likely necessitate the use of mechanical ventilation due to potential diaphragmatic impairment.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a client has a cervical spine injury at the level of C5, during the acute phase, the nurse would most likely anticipate the need for mechanical ventilation. This is due to the potential impairment of the diaphragm since the phrenic nerve, which innervates the diaphragm, arises from the spinal cord segments C3, C4, and C5. An injury at the C5 level could compromise respiration to the extent that mechanical breathing support is necessary.

In terms of the conditions mentioned in the question:

• Absent corneal reflex may occur with injuries at the brainstem level rather than a C5 injury.
• Decerebrate posturing is associated with lesions or damage to the upper brain stem.
• Movement of only the right or left half of the body implies a hemisection higher up in the spinal cord or a cerebral lesion rather than a bilateral entire spinal segment injury like at C5.