Final - Medical Management Flashcards
ABCs of survival needs
Airway
Breathing
Circulation
Stabilization of the spine
neurogenic shock
- right after accident, more serious/urgent
- interruption of sympathetic pathways (typically above T6)
- bradycardia and hypotension
- treated with fluid resuscitation and vasopressors
spinal shock
- lasts a few days-weeks
- loss of all spinal reflexes below LOI
- flaccid paralysis of all skeletal muscles
- loss of sensation
- resolution leads to spasticity
differences in radiology
Xray - very basic, bony structures
CT - a little more detailed, slices of the body
MRI - most detailed, soft tissue, swelling
types of vertebral fractures
compression: squished
burst
flexion-distraction
fracture-dislocation
teardrop: compression with 1 piece the tbreaks off
methylprednisolone
high dose corticosteroid to decrease inflammation
must be given within first 8 hours for 24-48hrs
positioning
bedrest
kinetic therapy bed - tilts, relieves pressure, moves fluid/blood
traction
gardener wells tongs (weights that pull spine in the right place) halo brace (keeps from turning head)
halo precautions
do not pull up on bars
do not use a pillow
no driving
don’t get it wet
philly collar vs miami J
inexpensive, foam, can get wet
velcro padding with extra set, nicer, do not get wet
CTLSO
protects spine all the way down
surgical decompression
releases pressure by removing anything impinging on the SC
laminectomy
cutting out/removing the lamina
allows expansion and accessibility
ORIF
restores vertebral alignment and stabilizes the injured portion using plates/screws
spinal fusion
permanately connects 2+ vertebra by placing bone or bonelike material within the space between solid vertebrae
