TNCC Spinal Cord and Vertebral Trauma

Question 1

A patient with a C5 spinal cord injury would be expected to retain which motor function?

Accepted Answer

Biceps function and shoulder movement

Answer

C5 innervates the deltoid and biceps muscles, allowing shoulder abduction/flexion and elbow flexion. Wrist extension (C6), triceps (C7), and hand intrinsics (T1) are lost.

Question 2

Spinal shock is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Temporary loss of reflexes, motor function, and sensation below the injury level

Answer

Spinal shock is the temporary, physiological suppression of all spinal cord function (reflexes, motor, sensory, autonomic) below the injury level, which may last hours to weeks.

Question 3

Which mechanism of injury is most associated with a Jefferson fracture (C1 burst fracture)?

Accepted Answer

Axial loading (compression) force to the top of the head

Answer

A Jefferson fracture results from axial loading transmitted through the occipital condyles to the C1 lateral masses, causing the ring of C1 to burst outward. Common mechanisms include diving into shallow water or objects falling onto the head.

Question 4

A patient with a T10 complete spinal cord injury is most likely to experience which bladder dysfunction?

Accepted Answer

Upper motor neuron (spastic/reflex) bladder

Answer

Injuries above the conus medullaris (L1-L2) produce an upper motor neuron bladder — the sacral micturition reflex arc (S2-S4) is intact but disconnected from voluntary control, resulting in a spastic, reflex bladder.

Question 5

When logrolling a patient with a suspected spinal injury, the minimum number of personnel required is:

Accepted Answer

Four — one at the head plus three supporting the body

Answer

A minimum of four persons is recommended for logrolling: one maintains manual in-line stabilization of the head/neck and directs the maneuver, while three support the torso, pelvis, and legs to maintain spinal alignment.

TNCC - Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum Practice Test

TNCC - Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum Practice Test

TNCC Spinal Cord and Vertebral Trauma