A patient has a spinal cord injury at C4. What should the healthcare professional assess as the priority in this patient?
A)Blood pressure
B)Respirations
C)Pulse
D)Temperature

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the cervical region, the swelling that accompanies an injury to C3 to C5 can be life-threatening because of the possibility of resulting impairment of the diaphragm function (phrenic nerves exit C3 to C5). All vital signs are important, but because of this possibility the priority is to monitor signs of respiratory impairment.

A Patient Has a Spinal Cord Injury at C4