Word parts
What it means
The muscles of a body part cannot be moved by choice, because of damage to the brain, spinal cordSPY-nul KORDThe long bundle of nerves that runs down through the backbone and carries messages between the brain and the body.Full entry , nerves or muscles. It can be partial (weakness, called paresis) or complete, short-term or permanent. Hemiplegia is paralysis of one side of the body, as after a stroke; paraplegia affects both legs; quadriplegia (tetraplegia) affects all four limbs.
For the nurse
Reposition the client at least every 2 hours and check the skin for pressure injury. Do range of motionRAYNJ uv MOH-shunHow far a joint can move in each of its normal directions, and the exercises that move joints through it.Full entry exercises, protect the limbs from injury, and watch for blood clots, constipation and urinary retention. Report any new weakness or loss of movement at once.
At a glance
| Spanish | parálisis |
|---|---|
| Also written | paralyzed, paralysed |
Related terms
range of motion
How far a joint can move in each of its normal directions, and the exercises that move joints through it.
spinal cord
The long bundle of nerves that runs down through the backbone and carries messages between the brain and the body.
numbness
Loss or reduction of feeling in a part of the body.