The edema of the upper cervical cord after spinal cord injury is considered life threatening because of which possible outcome?
A) Hypovolemic shock from blood lost during the injury
B) Breathing difficulties from an impairment to the diaphragm
C) Head injury that likely occurred during the injury
D) Spinal shock immediately after the injury

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the cervical region,spinal cord swelling may be life threatening because of the possibility of resulting impairment of the diaphragm function (phrenic nerves exit C3-C5).The other options do not appropriately explain the threat.

The Edema of the Upper Cervical Cord After Spinal Cord