A Patient with a Neck Fracture at the C5 Level

Multiple Choice

A patient with a neck fracture at the C5 level is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) following initial treatment in the emergency room. During initial assessment of the patient, the nurse recognizes the presence of spinal shock on finding

A) hypotension, bradycardia, and warm extremities.
B) involuntary, spastic movements of the arms and legs.
C) the presence of hyperactive reflex activity below the level of the injury.
D) flaccid paralysis and lack of sensation below the level of the injury.