Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

Which type of injury is most likely to result in impaired proprioception?

1. Spinal cord injury

2. Fracture of the arm

3. Concussion

4. Burn injury

The correct answer is: Spinal cord injury

The type of injury most likely to result in impaired proprioception is a spinal cord injury. Proprioception refers to the body’s ability to perceive its own position in space, which relies heavily on receptors throughout joints, muscles, and tissues that send signals to the brain about body posture and movement. In spinal cord injuries, the pathways that transmit these signals to the brain can be disrupted. The degree of impairment in proprioception largely depends on the level and severity of the spinal cord injury. Higher injuries may disrupt signals from the upper body, while lower injuries may affect leg proprioception. Consequently, individuals with spinal cord injuries frequently experience difficulties in spatial awareness and coordination due to these disruptions, leading to significant challenges in balance and motor control. Other types of injuries listed, like fractures, concussions, and burns, do not typically impair proprioception to the same extent. While they can affect sensations and physical capabilities, they do not generally compromise the neural pathways involved in proprioceptive feedback in the same way that spinal cord injuries do.