SCI Flashcards
What factors affect function in SC patients?
Complete injury will not be able to strengthen or influence recovery of lost motor function.
Complete injury will need to learn compensation for loss of motor function.
Social history, family support, work history, level of education, home layout (begin modifications early if possible)
What are strategies for teaching bed mobility with SCI?
Rolling: bedrails/devices/objects to grab, use of momentum
Supine to sit: elbows first, work to extend arms, roll to sidelying, hook LEs, push up from side
What are balance activities for SCI?
Short sit: static with UE support, static w/o UE support, dynamic reaching over stable base
Long sit: easier to due b/c of larger BOS, necessary for independent dressing, flexing knees will help if hamstring length is affecting anterior tilt of pelvis
What transfers are done in SCI?
Dependent lift (manual, mechanical) sliding board (lateral, prone push) swing pivot car transfer commode transfer tub bench transfer floor to chair
What are strategies for pressure relief?
Dependent: reclining or tilt in space w/c (65 degrees for actual relief, minimal drop with 35 tilt)
Forward lean
Lateral lean
How does skin change with SCI?
Thinning of epithelial layer, changes to collagen and hyperhidrosis in patient T8 and above
Why are SCI patients at high risk for decubitus ulcers?
Impaired/absent sensation
Physiologic changes
Inability to perform pressure relief
Moisture control issues due to incontinence and sweating
What are considerations for W/C and seating prescription in SCI?
Functional level, Ability to perform pressure relief independently, Type of terrain they will be on, Amount of time they will be in the W/C, Transfer technique, Loading into car by themselves, Weight of chair, Positioning desired, Accessibility at home and other places, Single vs. multiple caregivers, Patient preference regarding style
What are rules of thumb in w/c prescription for tetraplegia?
Manual vs. power (C6 and above- power)
Power controls: head control, sip and puff, joy stick
C7-T1: may be able to propel manual, weigh cost benefit of energy expenditure to exercise benefit, psychological benefit, ease in management vs. more complicated machine
Adjust seat to back angle for balance
What are rules of thumb in w/c prescription for paraplegia?
New user: rigid frame is more efficient
Usually able to manage a manual vs. power
Experienced user: maintain present style of chair
Adjustable axel: position shoulder over axel, adjust for patient confidence in stability
Consider weight of each part
Prescribing cushions for w/c? What are pros and cons of rigid seat backs?
Pressure mapping, look for positioning component to cushion, doesn’t have to feel “good’ to you, combine with back if possible
Pro- better posture and shoulder positioning
Con- hassle loading in car
What are factors limiting tolerance to activity in SCI?
Upright tolerance (BP)
Respiratory status
Endurance
Pain
What are expected outcomes for tolerance to upright positions?
Higher level: more problems maintaining blood pressure
Ace bandages and abdominal binder for maintaining vascular support
Should progress past need for these supports
What may cause reverse of tolerance?
Dysreflexia
Infections or other health changes can cause reverse
What is expected outcome for respiratory function?
C6-7: intact diaphragm, limited intercostals
Possible difficulty weaning from vent
Difficulty handling secretions/coughing
Lower the level= better respiratory function
Potential for pneumonia
What are complications/possible variance of respiratory function?
More difficulty weaning from ventilator due to: history of smoking, pneumothorax, infection
Need for tracheostomy
What is expected outcome for pain
Pain at injury site
Nerve root pain
What are variables to pain?
other injuries not yet identified
Neurogenic pain below level of injury
What are expected outcomes to ROM?
WFL
Flaccid
What are limitations to ROM?
HO Other injury Premorbid contractures Arthritis Contracture from spasticity and insufficient PROM (in patient with longer history of SCI)
What is expected outcome for strength and muscle tone?
Intact above level
Absent below level
Low tone initially
Increased tone after period of spinal shock has passed