Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 77%
Simulated
The nurse is caring for a patient in the acute care setting with a spinal cord injury (SCI) at the level of C-3. What is the main cause of complications or death related to this level of injury?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
A spinal cord injury at C-3 affects the phrenic nerve (C3-C5), which controls the diaphragm, leading to respiratory compromise. This is the primary cause of complications or death due to the risk of respiratory failure, often requiring mechanical ventilation.