A victim of a motor vehicle crash has an acute cervical spinal cord injury. Which problem should the nurse identify as the priority for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

With an acute cervical spinal cord injury, the patient may experience problems with maintaining their airway due to potential paralysis of the muscles involved in breathing or the inability to control secretions, making airway clearance difficult. Airway management and oxygenation are the top priorities, so the nurse should identify problems with the airway as the priority for this patient. Fluid maintenance, changes in mobility, and altered blood flow are also important to address but are not the top priority in this situation.

A Victim of a Motor Vehicle Crash Has an Acute