Herniated Disks (Exam 3)

Question 1

Vertebral Canal Purpose

Answer 1

Protect the spinal cord

Question 2

How do we diagnose herniated disk?

Answer 2

MRI

CT scan

Myelogram

Question 3

Consequences of Herniation Disk

Answer 3

Pressure on the nerve root = radiating pain

Question 4

Collaborative Care of Patient with Disk Herniation: Conservative

Answer 4

Brace / Corset

Local heat / ice

Massage

Traction

TENS

NSAIDS (short term narcotics)

Muscle relaxants

Back strengthening exercises

Question 5

If conservative therapy does not work… What is next?

Answer 5

The person my need surgery

Question 6

Laminectomy

Answer 6

Excision of lamina (posterior arch of vertebra) to gain access to protruding disk to remove it

Question 7

Diskectomy

Answer 7

Micro-surgical discectomy

Decompresses the nerve root

Question 8

Spinal Fusion

Answer 8

Add bone graft / synthetic product for stablicaiton

Question 9

Nursing Implication: Post Procedure

Answer 9

-Lie flat

-Log rolling

-Pain management

-Risk for CSF leak

-Peripheral Neurovascular Checks

-Spinal fusion recovery takes long / with donor site

-Avoid sitting / standing for long periods of time

-Avoid twisting: Think through body movements

Question 10

CSF post opp: Manifestations

Answer 10

COMPLAINING of H/A

Clear/light yellow drainage