After a cervical spinal cord injury,the patient's body temperature fluctuates markedly.What is the most accurate explanation of this phenomenon?
A) The patient probably has developed bilateral pneumonia or a urinary tract infection.
B) The patient's sympathetic nervous system has been damaged disturbing thermal control.
C) The patient also sustained a head injury that damaged the hypothalamus that regulated temperature.
D) The patient has septicemia from an unknown source.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Damage to the sympathetic nervous system can disrupt the body's ability to regulate temperature, leading to fluctuations in body temperature. This is a common phenomenon after spinal cord injuries. The other options (A, C, and D) are also possible causes of fluctuating body temperature, but they are less likely than damage to the sympathetic nervous system in this particular case.

After a Cervical Spinal Cord Injury,the Patient's Body Temperature Fluctuates