The Anxious Mother of an Adolescent Who Sustained a Spinal

Multiple Choice

The anxious mother of an adolescent who sustained a spinal injury yesterday and has paralysis of the lower limbs asks if the paralysis is permanent.Which response by the nurse is most helpful?

A) "Motor function sometimes returns after the edema of the spinal cord has subsided."
B) "Motor function may improve, but there will always be a deficit."
C) "In all likelihood the paralysis will be permanent."
D) "The physician is the best source for that information."