Spinal Cord Injuries Flashcards
if a patient has a spinal cord injury above C4 indicate?
above C4= loss of spontaneous respirations which is due to loss of phrenic nerve
if a patient has a spinal cord injury about T1 indiate?
Above T1= quadriplegic–> will most likely be intubated
if a patient has a spinal cord injury below T1 indicate?
Below T1= paraplegic
What are clinical manifestations of spinal cord injuries?
- lack of sensation/motor function below level of lesion
- flaccid muscles
- spinal shock
what is spinal shock?
spinal cord’s initial response to inflammation caused by the injury. it is total but temporary loss of all function below level of injury which leaves it functionless
how long does spinal shock last?
the spinal shock can last days to a week
what medication can help treat spinal shock?
high dose methylprednisolone IV to stop body’s immune response
what interventions can be done to help with a spinal cord injury?
- monitor respiratory status if there is injury at the phrenic nerve
- provide oxygen
- suction and intubate as needed
- logroll the patient when you transfer them
- establish baseline neuro status
- monitor bowel and bladder function
how can the nurse help treat a flaccid neurogenic bladder?
intermittent catheter can be inserted and patient can practice Crede’s maneuver
what complications can occur from spinal cord injuries?
autonomic dysreflexia and neurogenic shock
what can cause autonomic dysreflexia?
a distended bladder due to blockage from urinary catheter (relieve kink in the catheter) and tight clothing can cause autonomic dysreflexia
what are clinical manifestations of autonomic dysreflexia?
- severe hypertension (250/180)
- blurry vision
- restessnes
how can autonomic dysreflexia be treated?
elevate HOB and find the cause and fix it. if not, patient will have a stroke and die
what types of people can not get autonomic dysreflexia?
this does not occur in patients with injuries below T6?
