On Admission to the Emergency Department, a Patient with a C5

Multiple Choice

On admission to the emergency department, a patient with a C5 compression fracture can move only his head and has flaccid paralysis of all extremities.The distraught family asks if the paralysis is permanent.What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "Yes.In all likelihood, the paralysis is probably permanent."
B) "No.Significant recovery of function should occur in a few days."
C) "It is too early to tell.When the spinal shock subsides, we will know more."
D) "You should talk to your physician about things of that nature."