Spinal Cord Injury: A Lifelong Condition by Nursing Made Easy! Sep/Oct 2020

Question 1

Which spinal nerves are associated with the diaphragm?

Answer 1

cervical

Question 2

Damage to which spinal cord tract can lead to the inability to feel or recognize sensations such as temperature changes?

Answer 2

sensory

Question 3

Which best describes why spinal shock occurs in patients with an SCI?

a. Constriction of blood flow in the area results in tissue ischemia and damage to the spinal nerves.
b. Swelling and disrupted blood flow to the area alters the body’s ability to self-regulate.
c. The injury results in the activation of the body’s immune response and capillary clotting.

Answer 3

b. swelling and disrupted blood flow to the area alters the body’s ability to self-regulate

Question 4

A patient with an SCI who has motor function preserved below the injury, but not sensory function is described as having which type of injury?

Answer 4

motor incomplete injury

Question 5

Which occurs within 2 hours of sustaining a primary SCI?

a. macrophage infiltration
b. initiation of scar formation
c. gray matter hemorrhage and ischemia

Answer 5

c. gray matter hemorrhage and ischemia

Question 6

The function loss that happens in patients with an SCI occurs where?

Answer 6

below the area of injury

Question 7

The term used to identify a type of SCI that causes loss of function to the trunk and lower extremities is

Answer 7

paraplegia

Question 8

An SCI that damages the phrenic nerve leads directly to paralysis of what?

Answer 8

the diaphragm

Question 9

Patients with an SCI who develop neurogenic pain will often describe it how?

Answer 9

burning and stinging

Question 10

Emergency care of the patient with a suspected SCI includes immobilization of the head, neck, and spine until when?

Answer 10

evaluated and cleared by a healthcare provider

Question 11

Patients with an SCI should be monitored for signs of ineffective oxygenation, which will cause

a. swelling of the extremities.
b. mental status changes.
c. ataxia motor functions.

Answer 11

b. mental status changes

Question 12

The most likely cause of death in patients with an SCI is

Answer 12

pneumonia and septicemia

Question 13

Which measure can the nurse take to help prevent orthostatic hypotension in patients with an SCI?

a. limit fluid intake
b. move the patient slowly
c. avoid use of compression stockings

Answer 13

b. move the patient slowly

Question 14

The most common cause of autonomic dysreflexia in patients with an SCI is what?

Answer 14

a full bladder

Question 15

Along with progressively worsening hypertension, 88% of patients with an SCI have signs and symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia that include

a. pallor.
b. sweating.
c. tachypnea.

Answer 15

b. sweating

and bradycardia, rarely tachycardia

Question 16

Which best describes the treatment for autonomic dysreflexia?

a. removal of the noxious stimulus
b. application of 100% oxygen therapy
c. administration of I.V. corticosteroids

Answer 16

a. removal of the noxious stimulus

Question 17

Patients with injury to which area often require respiratory support?

a. C4 to C5
b. L3 to L4
c. T2 to T3

Answer 17

a. C4 to C5

Question 18

Bowel training for patients with an SCI should focus on digital stimulation, medications, and

a. diet.
b. enemas.
c. liquid intake.

Answer 18

a. diet

Question 19

Most SCIs are caused by some type of preventable trauma. Prevention strategies include all of the following except:

a. providing gun safety and swim safety education.
b. reducing falls by placing throw rugs in the home.
c. implementing vehicle safety technology such as airbags.

Answer 19

b. reducing falls by placing throw rugs in the home