Trauma

Question 1

Spinal Injury red flags? (4)

Answer 1

Loss of Bladder/Bowel function causing incontinence
Altered saddle sensation
New onset sexual dysfunction
New neuro deficit in lower limbs

Question 2

Factors where spinal immbolisaiton must be carried out (9)

Answer 2

• Is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Is confused or uncooperative
• Has any bony spinal pain anywhere along the spine
• Has any significant distracting Injuries
• Has a reduced GCS
• Has a priaprism
• Any foot or hand weakness
  -Has any absent or altered sensation in limbs.
• A history of spinal problems that predispose instability in the spine

Question 3

Clincial Signs/Haemodynamic signs of a spinal injury

Answer 3

• Diaphragmatic/Abdominal breathing
• Hypotension with bradycardia
• Warm Peripheries or vasodilation with hypotension
• Flacid muscles
• Primaprism

Question 4

Imoblise any unconcious trauma patient?

Answer 4

YES - All unconcious trauma patients must be immoblised

Question 5

Steps to Fully clear a spine?

Answer 5

• Are any of the 9 factors present?
• Is there high risk from the mechanism? (high speed RTC, fall 1m +, bike or horse accident etc.)
• Any loss in sensation, Bony spinal pain or distracting injuries
• Was it low risk? (small RTC, moving since accident, no tenderness, delayed pain onset)
• Able to rotate neck 45 degrees left or right? and no pain on moblisation

SPINE CLEARED