Choose the correct statement:
a) Spinal injuries tend to occur at a higher spinal level in adolescents than in younger children
b) Many children with partial spinal cord injuries will regain some neurologic function over time
c) Succinylcholine is contraindicated in the initial 24 hours after spinal cord injury
d) Hypotension immediately following traumatic spinal injury is always due to neurogenic shock
Answer b. Many children with partial spinal cord injuries will regain some neurologic function over time. Spinal injuries tend to occur at a lower spinal level in adolescents than in younger children. Succinylcholine not contraindicated in the first 24 hours after spinal cord injury; following that, there is a risk of severe hyperkalemia with use. Hypotension after traumatic spinal injury may be due to neurogenic shock, but a far more common cause in all trauma patients is hemorrhagic shock.