Spinal Cord Injuries Handout

Question 1

In the E.D, what is given immediately to SCI patients

Answer 1

High doses of steroids are given but they must be given within 8 hrs to be effective

Question 2

What is diagnosis of a SCI

Answer 2

CT
MRI
ALWAYS ASSESS FOR SECONDARY INJURIES

Question 3

What assessment is crucial in a SCI

Answer 3

Respiratory
The pt will have decreased ventilation , decreased vital capacity tidal volume, and ineffective cough, intubation may be necessary

Question 4

What are early signs of a SCI that must be reported immediately

Answer 4

Decrease in motor strength
Decrease in sensation
Bowel and or bladder dysfunction

Question 5

What is neuropathic pain described as

Answer 5

Pain that is constantly aching, burning… Can develop into chronic neuropathic pain

Question 6

What is neuropathic pain treated with

Answer 6

Anti seizure meds
TCAs
Steroid injections into the spine
Local anesthetics

Question 7

Poikilothermism

Answer 7

The inability to adjust to changes in environmental temperature
Often develops following injury

Question 8

Porprioception

Answer 8

Sense of the position of objects in relation to the body

Question 9

Physiologically, injury to the spinal cord results in what

Answer 9

Inflammatory response 
Bleeding from the capillaries 
Cord edema
Decreased cord oxygenation 
Destruction of neurons begins in minutes and within 24 HR nerve function can be lost

Question 10

When is autonomic dysreflexia is caused by what level of SCI

Answer 10

SCI above T6

Question 11

What is autonomic dysreflexia

Answer 11

Caused by irritation to specific nerves of the autonomic nervous system located in the ,owner abdomen and triggered by distention of the bladder, distended or impacted rectum, severe scrotal edema, severe pressure ulcers

Question 12

What are symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia

Answer 12

Sudden pounding headache
Perfuse Diaphoresis
Facial flushing, nausea, shivering, blotchy skin,anxiety,

Question 13

If a patient is high risk for DVT, what will be anticipated

Answer 13

Inferior vena cava filter

Question 14

What are complications of SCI

Answer 14

Autonomic dysreflexia 
DVT
wound infection
Orthostatic hypotension 
Cardiac arrthymias
Constipation 
Ileus
Respiratory failure

Question 15

WHAT HAPPENS WITH A SCI IN THE C2-C3 AREA

Answer 15

It may be fatal

Question 16

What happens with a SCI in the C4 and above area

Answer 16

Usually requires permanent mechanical ventilation

Question 17

What occurs with SCI in the C3-C5 region

Answer 17

Pt may be able to move there head, shrug shoulders

Question 18

What does a SCI in the area of C6 indicate

Answer 18

Usually preservation of the shoulder, elbow, wrist
May have gross arm movements
May be able to use thumbs

Question 19

What occurs with SCI of C7-C8

Answer 19

May be able to roll over
Sit up
Use fingers
Flex elbows

Question 20

Injuries T6 and above are at risk for what

Answer 20

Autonomic dysreflexia

Question 21

SCI at L2 and below pose what kinds of injuries

Answer 21

Dysfunction of the bowel and bladder, hips, knees, ankles, amd sexual dysfunction, will have arm movement but no leg movement

Question 22

What are all SCI patients at risk of

Answer 22

Joint contractures
Muscle atrophy
Muscle spasticity
( occurs within 6 months)

Question 23

What is spasticity treated with

Answer 23

Baclofen ( Lioresal)
Implantable med pumps
Flexeril
Valium