The nurse is working in the rehabilitative setting caring for tetraplegia and paraplegia clients. When instructing family members on the difference between the sites of impairment, which location should the nurse explain differentiates the two disorders?
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is: The level of spinal cord injury.
Explanation:
Tetraplegia (formerly known as quadriplegia) and paraplegia are both types of paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries, but the primary distinction lies in the location of the spinal cord injury.
- Tetraplegia: This condition results from an injury to the cervical (neck) region of the spinal cord, specifically at or above the C1-C8 levels. It is characterized by paralysis of all four limbs (both arms and both legs) as well as the trunk. The severity of the impairment can vary depending on the level of injury. Higher cervical injuries (e.g., C1-C4) can impair breathing and require full-time ventilatory support, while lower cervical injuries (e.g., C5-C8) may allow for partial arm function, but still result in significant weakness or paralysis in the legs and trunk. Tetraplegia affects not just movement, but also sensory functions, bowel and bladder control, and in some cases, autonomic functions.
- Paraplegia: Paraplegia occurs when the injury is at the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral levels of the spinal cord. It results in paralysis of the lower limbs and typically affects the trunk below the level of injury. While individuals with paraplegia often retain the use of their arms, their ability to walk is compromised. Sensory loss and bowel, bladder, and sexual function issues are common as well, but they are typically confined to the lower body. In contrast to tetraplegia, paraplegia does not involve the upper limbs, which means individuals with paraplegia can retain some functions that tetraplegic individuals may not.
The level of injury is crucial in determining the extent of disability in both conditions, influencing rehabilitation strategies, and the level of care required. Educating family members on these differences ensures they understand the scope of the injury and the types of assistive technologies or modifications the client may need for daily living.