SCI/Pressure Ulcer Flashcards
What are 3 contributing factors for bedsores?
Pressure: constant pressure on any body part
Friction: skin rubs against bed/clothing
Shear: 2 surfaces move in opposite directions
You and the team are seeing a patient 2 days post SCI. Based upon the initial assessment it appears as if the patient is injured at C6. The patients family inquires about the prognosis what should we do?
Explain to the family that the patient will be re-evaluated 3 days post injury because of spinal shock.
How often should patients perform pressure relief techniques to prevent skin breakdown?
30min-1hr
A patient who is paraplegic wants to prevent pressure ulcers… What is a cushion that is contraindicated?
Donut style cushion
Describe how someone with C1-C3 SCI may typically present?
ventilator dep. sip/puff, power w/c with tilt
What level of SCI is diaphragm involved?
C4
Describe how a patient may present with C4 SCI
may require vent but may progress without one.
dept for feed/dress/B&B
What muscle movement is displayed at C5?
elbow flexion
Describe how a patient may present at a C5
set up and AE for dressing
I feeding
Max A slide board tx
What are some splints that may be used for a patient with a C5 injury?
Wrist cock up-day
Intrinsic plus-night
Universal cuff or moble arm support
When can a pt perform wrist extension?
C6
Describe how someone with a C6 injury may present
I with feeding
I UBD
I complete pressure relief
I bed mobility
What are some pieces of AE a client may need with a C6 injury?
tenodesis splint
transfer board
built up handle
What movements may a client display at C7-C8
elbow extension/flexion of middle finger
Describe how someone with a C7-8 injury may present
I with all self care, some support w/ B&B
w/c push ups for pressure relief
manual w/c
When could a patient potentially begin walking short distances with braces?
T2-6
When can patients walk with crutches? When are they able to walk with canes?
L1-2
L3-5
What is the best way for a patient with a C6 to perform pressure relief?
sit up using loops and forward weight shift.
If a patient is observed chewing and using a mouth stick to play games what is the highest level at which the pts SC has been injured?
C1-C3
What are strategies that can help a client with a SCI maintain their skin integrity?
use a long curved mirror to inspect bony prominences, avoid shearing when transferring and rolling side to side using a touch to check method
