A nurse is evaluating a patient with a spinal cord injury at the C5 level. Which function is most likely retained?
Bladder control
Full hand dexterity
Ability to breathe independently
Ability to walk unaided
The Correct Answer is C
A. Bladder control: Voluntary bladder and bowel control is mediated by the sacral nerves (S2-S4). A C5 injury severs the connection between the brain and the lower spinal cord, typically resulting in neurogenic bladder (loss of voluntary control).
B. Full hand dexterity: The nerves controlling the hands and fingers originate from the C8 and T1 levels. A C5 injury usually leaves the patient with shoulder and partial biceps control, but paralysis of the wrists and hands.
C. Ability to breathe independently: The diaphragm is innervated by the phrenic nerve, which originates from spinal roots C3, C4, and C5 ("C3, 4, 5 keep the diaphragm alive"). While a C5 injury may weaken respiratory effort (due to loss of intercostal muscles), the diaphragm usually remains functional, allowing independent breathing.
D. Ability to walk unaided: The muscles for walking are controlled by the lumbar and sacral spinal nerves. A cervical injury (C5) results in quadriplegia (tetraplegia), involving paralysis of both the trunk and legs.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Carbohydrate metabolism:While the liver plays a massive role in carbohydrate metabolism (glycogenesis/gluconeogenesis), these processes rely on enzymatic reactions. While enzymes are proteins, the most immediate and critical systemic sign of hepatic protein synthesis failure is usually related to circulating plasma proteins, not the liver's internal metabolic ability.
B. Immune defense:While the liver produces some complement proteins involved in immunity, the primary defense system relies on White Blood Cells (leukocytes) produced in the bone marrow and lymphoid tissue.
C. Blood clotting:The liver is responsible for synthesizing most of the essential coagulation factors (proteins) found in the blood, including fibrinogen and prothrombin. If the liver cannot produce these proteins, the coagulation cascade fails, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.
D. Fat digestion:Fat digestion relies on bile acids. While the liver synthesizes bile, bile acids are cholesterol derivatives, not proteins.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Flat bone; protection of thoracic organs: Ribs are classified as flat bones (thin, flattened, often slightly curved) and their major functions include protecting thoracic organs (heart and lungs) and providing attachment sites for muscles involved in respiration and trunk movement.
B. Irregular bone; varied functions:Irregular bones (e.g., vertebrae, some facial bones) have complex shapes and varied functions; ribs are not irregular bones.
C. Short bone; stability and support:Short bones (e.g., carpals and tarsals) are roughly cube-shaped and provide stability with limited motion; ribs are not short bones.
D. Long bone; support and leverage:Long bones (e.g., femur, humerus) are longer than they are wide and function mainly in support and leverage for movement; ribs are not long bones.
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