Physiological AdaptationQuestion 1633 of 2368
A client has a spinal cord injury above the level of C3. Which problem should the nurse anticipate?
- Loss of bladder sensation only
- Inability to breathe spontaneously
- Weakness limited to the fingers
- Loss of the sense of smell
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Correct answer: Inability to breathe spontaneously
The phrenic nerve arises from C3 to C5 and supplies the diaphragm. A transection above C3 stops spontaneous breathing.
Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Neurological Assessment: FUNCTIONS OF SPINAL NERVES. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026