MED/SURG: TRAUMA: MECHANISMS OF INJURY

Question 1

Mechanisms of Injury/Spinal Cord Injury

1. Hyperflexion
2. Hyperextension
3. Vertical Compression
4. Excessive Rotation

Answer 1

1. Hyperflexion: Head accelerated forward: hit a tree, posterior long. ligament
2. Hyperextension: Head suddenly accelerated then decelerated: “Hit from behind” Compression of spinal cord, ruptured anterior long. ligament
3. Vertical Compression: Blow to top of the head: diving accident
4. Excessive Rotation: Turning head beyond normal

Question 2

Mechanisms of Injury/Spinal Cord Injury

In the Emergency Department regarding SPINAL CORD INJURY

• PRIMARY SURVEY: ABCDE
• Avoid possible complications such as (5)
• Pt is sedated…why?

Answer 2

PRIMARY SURVEY:

A: Maintain and secure airway

Intubation? via GCS

B: Breathing…Assistance/Vent/

C: Maintain BLOOD PRESSURE

D: GCS OR AVPU

E: Cutting, exposing pt for assessment

Avoid possible complications:

1. Stool and urine retention
2. Respiratory and Cardiovascular difficulties
3. Formation of DVT

Pt is sedated…why?

So that pt does NOT move and sustain more damage while undergoing dx tests or during transport