Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

What does an assessment indicating the preservation of the sacral segments imply?

1. Functioning of bladder and bowel

2. Loss of sexual function

3. Improved motor function in the upper limbs

4. Complete paralysis of lower limbs

The correct answer is: Functioning of bladder and bowel

The preservation of the sacral segments in an assessment indicates that the patient retains functioning of the bladder and bowel. The sacral spinal segments, particularly S2 to S4, are integral for pelvic organ function, including bladder control and bowel function. When these segments are functioning, it implies that the neural pathways responsible for these autonomic functions are intact, allowing for voluntary control and reflexive activity necessary for normal elimination. This preservation can be essential for determining care strategies in rehabilitation, as it enhances the patient’s quality of life and can significantly inform the nursing management and interventions required for individuals with spinal cord injuries or neurological impairments. Understanding this link between sacral segment preservation and bladder/bowel function is crucial for rehabilitation nurses in their practice.