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HESI Case Study: Spinal Cord Injury
Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the most common cause of spinal cord injury?✔✔Trauma from motor vehicle accidents or falls
Which area of the spinal cord controls breathing?✔✔Cervical segments C3–C5 (phrenic nerve)
What is the priority nursing assessment for a patient with acute spinal cord injury?✔✔Airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs)
What is spinal shock?✔✔Temporary loss of all reflexes and motor function below the injury site
Which reflex may indicate the end of spinal shock?✔✔Return of deep tendon reflexes
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Which type of spinal cord injury results in paralysis and loss of sensation below the level of injury?✔✔Complete spinal cord injury
Which type of spinal cord injury allows some motor or sensory function below the injury?✔✔Incomplete spinal cord injury
Which vital sign change may indicate neurogenic shock in spinal cord injury?✔✔Hypotension with bradycardia
Which spinal cord injury level most often requires ventilatory support?
✔✔C1–C4
Which assessment finding suggests autonomic dysreflexia?✔✔Severe hypertension, pounding headache, and flushed skin above the injury
Which nursing action is priority during autonomic dysreflexia?✔✔Elevate the head of the bed and remove the triggering stimulus 2 / 3
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Which condition commonly triggers autonomic dysreflexia in spinal cord injury patients?✔✔Bladder distension or bowel impaction
Which position promotes airway management in a cervical spinal cord injury?✔✔Neutral alignment with head in cervical collar
Which intervention reduces risk of deep vein thrombosis in spinal cord injury patients?✔✔Early mobilization and use of compression devices
Which laboratory test helps assess for rhabdomyolysis after spinal cord injury?✔✔Serum creatine kinase (CK)
Which complication is a priority concern in the first 72 hours after spinal cord injury?✔✔Respiratory compromise
Which type of spinal cord injury results in loss of motor function but preserved sensation?✔✔Anterior cord syndrome
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