Final answer:
A client sustains a crushing injury of the spinal cord above the level of origin of the phrenic nerve. As a result of this injury, 4. Respiratory paralysis and cessation of diaphragmatic contractions is the response nurse expects.
Step-by-step explanation:
A crushing injury of the spinal cord above the level of origin of the phrenic nerve would likely result in respiratory paralysis and cessation of diaphragmatic contractions. The phrenic nerve originates from the cervical spine (C3-C5) and plays a crucial role in controlling the diaphragm, the primary muscle involved in breathing.
When the spinal cord is injured above the phrenic nerve origin, the signals necessary for diaphragmatic function are disrupted. This can lead to respiratory paralysis, meaning the individual loses the ability to breathe independently. As a consequence, mechanical ventilation may be required to support breathing.
Options 1, 2, and 3 are less likely outcomes of a spinal cord injury above the phrenic nerve. Ventricular fibrillation (Option 1) is related to heart rhythm abnormalities, dysfunction of the vagus nerve (Option 2) might affect heart rate and gastrointestinal functions, and retention of sensation with paralysis of the lower extremities (Option 3) is more characteristic of injuries below the phrenic nerve level. The key concern in this scenario is the impact on respiratory function due to the involvement of the phrenic nerve.