A patient with a spinal cord injury (SCI) has complete paralysis of both upper and lower extremities. Which term should the nurse use when documenting this patient's status?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Quadriplegia refers to paralysis of all four extremities and is the most appropriate term to use when documenting paralysis of both upper and lower extremities in a patient with SCI. Hemiplegia refers to paralysis of one side of the body, paresthesia refers to abnormal sensations such as tingling or numbness, and paraplegia refers to paralysis of the lower extremities only.

A Patient with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Has Complete