A client with C7 quadriplegia is flushed and anxious and complains of a pounding headache. Which of the following symptoms would also be anticipated?
A. Decreased urine output or oliguria
B. Hypertension and bradycardia
C. Respiratory depression
D. Symptoms of shock
Correct Answer: B. Hypertension and bradycardia
Hypertension, bradycardia, anxiety, blurred vision, and flushing above the lesion occur with autonomic dysreflexia due to uninhibited sympathetic nervous system discharge. The other options are incorrect. C5 to C7 are responsible for deep tendon reflexes of the biceps, brachioradialis, and triceps respectively. C5 controls shoulder abduction with the aid of C4 and elbow flexion with the aid of C6. C6 to C7 are responsible for elbow extension, wrist extension, and flexion.
Option A: Conus medullaris Syndrome is caused by injury to the terminal aspect of the spinal cord, just proximal to the cauda equina. It characteristically presents with loss of sacral nerve root functions. Loss of Achilles tendon reflexes, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction may be observable.
Option C: C3 to C4 contributes to breathing by controlling the muscles of the diaphragm. Patients with an injury in this area of the cervical spine can complain of difficulty breathing. If C3 or C4 are involved, abnormal breathing or respiratory failure can occur.
Option D: Neurogenic Shock results from high cervical injuries affecting the cervical ganglia, which leads to a loss of sympathetic tone. Loss of sympathetic tone results in a shock state characterized by hypotension and bradycardia.
No comments:
Post a Comment