SCI Flashcards
What are common findings with spinal shock?
Decreased reflexes.
Loss of sensation
Flaccid paralysis below the level of injury.
What are the signs of neurogenic shock?
Loss of vasomotor tone
Hypo and brady
Associated with T6 injury or higher.
Tetraplegia is associated with an injury to where?
C8 and above
Paraplegia is associated with an injury where?
T1 and down
An injury between C3-5 would injure what nerve/
Phrenic
Describe complete cord involvement
Total loss of sensory and motor function below injury.
Describe a partial or incomplete cord injury
Mixed loss of voluntary motor and sensation.
Some tracts still intact.
If an injury occurs above C4 that what treatment will be expected?
If below C4?
Vent.
Pt will have diaphragmatic breathing and hypoventilation if phrenic is functioning.
Cervical and thoracic injuries cause paralysis of what?
What will this lead to?
Abdominal and intercostal muscles.
PNA and atelectasia due to ineffective cough.
Any cord injury above T6 greatly decreases what?
What will be the pt S/S?
Will pt need to be on tele?
Effects of SNS.
Brady, hypo, hypovolemia
Yes.
What are common manifestations with an SCI for the urinary system?
Retention.
Bladder atonic and distended.
Bladder hyperirritable (reflex emptying)
A pt with a cord injury above T5 will exhibit what? In relation to GI
Hypomotility. Ileus, distention.
May get ulcers or intraabdominal bleed. Watch H/H
What point on the cord needs to be injured to have a neurogenic bowel?
T12 or below.
Will have decreased sphincter tone
In regards to the integumentary system, what problems may arise?
Breakdown from immobility
Infection or sepsis from pressure injury.
What is Poikilothermism?
When the body adjusts to the temperature of the room.
What is the gold standard for diagnostic testing of an SCI?
CT
What is the leading cause of death from an SCI?
DVT-leading to a PE
Why do we give methylprednisolone (MP)?
Aides in recovery of neurological function.
No help if given 8 hours post injury.
Give early and in large doses.
With an injury at or above C3, what things will you see?
During the first 48 hours?
Resp distress
ABG’s deteriorate.
ETT/vent
Spinal cord edema which will decrease the level of function.
What are some cardiac issues?
Brady-give atropine(anticholinergic).
Increase in vagal stimulation due to suctioning and turning. (Arrest)
What happens to the GI tract in the first 48-72 hours?
May stop functioning. Give NGT. Strict I/O. Give high protein/calories. Swallow eval
In regards to GI and GU, what will happen immediately after injury?
Retention and constipation.
While the pt is rehabbing, what might you see that will need to be explained to family?
Hyperactive and exaggerated responses
Erections
Spasms.
What are the clinical manifestations of autonomic dysreflexia?
HTN, blurry vision, severe HA, sweaty, brady,
Piloerection, flushing, anxiety.
