Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

What is a true statement about spinal cord injuries?

1. Residents cannot perform any self-care

2. Rehabilitation is ineffective

3. The lower the injury, the greater the function loss

4. The higher the injury, the greater the loss of function

The correct answer is: The higher the injury, the greater the loss of function

A true statement regarding spinal cord injuries is that the higher the injury on the spinal column, the greater the loss of function. This is due to the way the spinal cord organizes nerve pathways that control movement and sensation. Higher-level injuries, such as those occurring in the cervical region, can impact more bodily functions, including respiratory function, arm movement, and overall mobility. For instance, an injury occurring at the cervical level can lead to quadriplegia, affecting all four limbs and potentially respiratory control, while an injury lower down, like in the thoracic or lumbar regions, may still allow for some arm and hand movements, resulting in paraplegia or varying levels of mobility. Therefore, the severity and location of a spinal cord injury directly correlate with the degree of function that is lost. This understanding emphasizes the importance of injury location in determining rehabilitation goals and potential outcomes for individuals affected by spinal cord injuries.