Spinal Cord Injury

Question 1

Major risk factors for Spinal Cord Injury?

Answer 1

Male, 15-30 yr old, Risk takers (football, divers, sky diving), Alcohol and drug use.

Question 2

1 cause of SCI

Answer 2

Motor Vehicle Accident

Question 3

Mechanism of injury for SCI?

Answer 3

Hyperflexion, Hyperextension, Axial Loading(diving accident), Rotation, Penetrating(Bullet and knife)

Question 4

what are the 2 degrees of injury for SCI? Which is more common?

Answer 4

Complete(Total loss of motor and sensory function) and Incomplete (Partial loss of motor and sensory function)/ Incomplete

Question 5

Describe Anterior cord syndrome?

Answer 5

complete motor paralysis below injury, loss in pain and temp., touch, position, vibration sensations remain intact

Question 6

Describe Posterior cord syndrome?

Answer 6

pain, temp, and motor function remain. Loss of proprioception and touch below injury

Question 7

Describe Brown-Sequard syndrome?

Answer 7

Loss of motor function, position, vasomotor paralysis on the ipsilateral side, loss of pain temp sensation on the contralateral side

Question 8

Describe Central Cord Syndrome?

Answer 8

Weakness in upper and lower extremities, greater in upper.

Question 9

A pt arrives in the ED with a SCI of the C4. What lasting effects do you suspect?

Answer 9

Quadriplegia-Tetraplegia, Absence of Respirations

Question 10

An injury has occured to a pt at T6 you expect?

Answer 10

Paraplegia and Respiratory complications

Question 11

What are dermatomes?

Answer 11

Areas used to map sensations on the skin.

Question 12

Nursing knowledge of Crutchfield tongs traction?

Answer 12

Pin site care, freely hanging weights

Question 13

Nursing knowledge for Halo Vest?

Answer 13

Monitor pin sites, weight of device alters balance, wash under wool lining, no lotions or powders, use straws to drink

Question 14

What are some secondary injuries from SCI?

Answer 14

Vascular insult, Hemorrhage, Ischemia, Fluid and Electrolyte imbalance, Shock

Question 15

Medications used to prevent secondary injury? Why is it used? Thing to know about the medication?

Answer 15

Solu-Medrol,/ reduces\ prevents edema ischemia, and inflammation/ Solu-Medrol can elevate blood glucose

Question 16

What is the leading cause of death after a SCI injury?

Answer 16

Pneumonia

Question 17

A SCI pt has just come into the ED and has a BP of 100/65 and pulse of 50, what do you suspect?

Answer 17

Spinal Shock

Question 18

Describe Spinal Shock?

Answer 18

Initially after injury, hypotension, bradycardia, loss of sympathetic innvervation,

Question 19

A SCI pt is post op day 2 and is complaining of a headache, is flushed in the face. What do you suspect and what is your first and second actions?

Answer 19

Autonomic Dysreflexia, Check blood pressure, if high 200/95, have pt sit up and dangle legs over the bed.

Question 20

Autonomic Dysreflexia is usually triggered by?

Answer 20

distended bladder, constipation, or fecal impaction

Question 21

Pt has an UMN injury and is having difficulty voiding. How can the nurse assist?

Answer 21

Stroke thigh, pull pubic hair,

Question 22

What is important for bladder retraining?

Answer 22

Consistent time for elimination, High fluid intake, High fiber diet, stool softeners,

Question 23

What type of bladder will you have with a UMN and a LMN injury?

Answer 23

UMN-Spastic, LMN-flaccid