Which term refers to paralysis of all four extremities?

The term that describes paralysis of all four extremities is quadriplegia. This condition results from an injury or illness affecting the spinal cord at a level that impacts both the upper and lower limbs. Quadriplegia can be caused by various factors, including traumatic injuries, strokes, or diseases such as multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), leading to varying degrees of limb movement and sensation loss.

Understanding this term is important in the context of emergency medical services, as it enables providers to recognize the potential implications of such a condition on patient care, particularly in terms of mobility, respiratory function, and the overall impact on a patient's quality of life.

The other terms refer to different types of paralysis. Paraplegia specifically involves paralysis of the lower limbs, typically caused by spinal injuries at the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions. Complete paralysis is a non-specific term and doesn't point to a particular pattern of limb involvement, while monoplegia refers to paralysis of a single limb. Each of these conditions highlights varying severities and locations of paralysis but does not encompass the full extent of all four limbs being affected.