Spinal Cord Injury

Question 1

What patients require immobilisation with a hard collar?

Answer 1

Spinal cord injuries

Question 2

When may a patient require C-Spine immobilisation?

Answer 2

A high risk factor for C-Spine injury is identified
Mechanism of injury
Pre-existing spinal pathology
Suspected spinal fracture in another region of the spine
Abnormal neurological symptoms

Question 3

When immobilising a patients spine what should be taken into consideration?

Answer 3

The patients specific circumstances

Question 4

What are the contra-indicators for fittings a semi-rigid collar?

Answer 4

A compromised airway
Known spinal deformities

Question 5

When assessing a person with suspected cervical spine injury, what tool is used?

Answer 5

The Canadian C-spine rule

Question 6

What speciality should get involved early in a patient with spinal injury?

Answer 6

Neurosurgeons

Question 7

What is important to remember for patients with spinal cord injury?

Answer 7

They may loose their ability to control their own temperature and assume the temperature of the environment

Question 8

Why do we log roll a patient with suspected c-spine injury?

Answer 8

To ensure the c-spine is immobilised

Question 9

What is the correct set up for a log roll?

Answer 9

Needs minimum 5 people
Person 1 - holds the side of the neck, keeps the head and neck still
Person 2 - one hand on shoulder and one above waist
Person 3 - one hand on hip and one under thigh
Person 4 - one hand under knee and one under ankle
Person 5 - examination/assists patient

Question 10

How do you size a patient for a hard collar?

Answer 10

Measure chin to trapezius, making sure it fits between the black stud and bottom of the yellow hard collar