The Nurse Is Caring for an Adolescent Who Has Lower

Multiple Choice

The nurse is caring for an adolescent who has lower limb paralysis after sustaining a spinal injury yesterday.The patient's anxious mother asks if the paralysis is permanent.Which response is most appropriate for the nurse to make?

A) "It is possible that motor function may or may not return after spinal cord swelling has subsided."
B) "Motor function may improve, but there will always be a deficit."
C) "In all likelihood, the paralysis will be permanent."
D) "Have you asked the physician about your concerns?"