Lab C-Spine

Question 1

Palpate

Answer 1

• lymph nodes
• trachea
• carotid pulse
• thyroid

Question 2

Thyroid Palpation Steps

Answer 2

1. Have pt flex neck to relax SCM
2. index fingers below cricoid cartilage and have pt swallow
3. palpate R and L lobes by displacing thyroid

Question 3

Compression Test

Answer 3

-place head in neutral and apply downward force

+ repro of symptoms: Central neuropathy

Question 4

Spurlings Test

Answer 4

1. place head in neutral and apply downward force
2. test with extension
3. test at SB/rotation
   DONT GO ON TO NEXT STEP IF YOU GET + sign
   + repro of symptoms: Central neuropathy

Question 5

Neck Distraction Test

Answer 5

place one hand under pt chin and other on occiput and pull up
+ sign–> alleviation of symptoms
Central neuropathy

Question 6

Adsons Test

Answer 6

1. locate radial pulse and then have pt abduct, extend, adn ER shoulder
   2.Extend pt head and Rotate to affected side and hold breath
2. Rotate away and do the same
   + sign: loss or change in pulse
   Looking away: scalenes
   Looking toward: 1st rib

Question 7

Roos

Answer 7

Abduct should to 90 and ER with elbow flexed to 90
open and close fist for 3 minutes
+ sign: reproduction of symptoms

Question 8

Nuchal Rigidity

Answer 8

-flex pt neck forward while pt supine

+ neck stiffness–> inflammation in subarachnoid space (meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage)

Question 9

Brudzinskis Sign

Answer 9

-flex neck

+ pt flexes hips and knees–> inflammation in subarachnoid space (meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage)

Question 10

Kernig Sign

Answer 10

-pt supine and flex hip and knee to 90 and attempt to passively extend leg at knee
+ sign increased resistance to extension and pain behind knee–> meningeal/dural irritation