Spine: spinal shock: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Spine: spinal shock

Sample item

Which finding signals the end of spinal shock after a cord injury?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Return of the bulbocavernosus reflex

Spinal shock is temporary loss of all reflex activity below the level of cord injury, with flaccid paralysis and areflexia. The earliest sign of its resolution is return of the bulbocavernosus reflex, usually within 24 to 48 hours. After this, residual deficits define the injury completeness.

Option by option

  • A. Return of the bulbocavernosus reflex (correct)

    Correct. Return of the bulbocavernosus reflex marks the end of spinal shock.

  • B. Priapism

    Priapism can occur during shock and is not a sign of its end.

  • C. Return of voluntary movement

    Voluntary movement returns only if the injury is incomplete.

  • D. Loss of the anal wink

    Anal wink loss would indicate continuing shock or injury.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is A, Return of the bulbocavernosus reflex. Spinal shock is temporary loss of all reflex activity below the level of cord injury, with flaccid paralysis and areflexia.

Why is "Priapism" not the answer?

Priapism can occur during shock and is not a sign of its end.

Why is "Return of voluntary movement" not the answer?

Voluntary movement returns only if the injury is incomplete.

Why is "Loss of the anal wink" not the answer?

Anal wink loss would indicate continuing shock or injury.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Spine: spinal shock in Orthopaedics. The earliest sign of its resolution is return of the bulbocavernosus reflex, usually within 24 to 48 hours. After this, residual deficits define the injury completeness.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Spine: spinal shock?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.