Unit 4 sample questions Flashcards
What is the difference between a complete and incomplete spinal cord injury ?
A complete spinal cord injury results in a total and irreversible loss of sensory, motor, and autonomic function below the level of injury. In contrast, an incomplete injury preserves some function below the primary injury site.
Describe the clinical manifestation of central cord syndrome.
greater functional motor loss in the arms than in the legs, along with bladder dysfunction and variable loss of sensation below the level of injury.
What causes anterior cord syndrome ?
Anterior cord syndrome is usually caused by anterior compression from bony fragments or acute disk herniation
What are clinical manifestation typically observed with anterior cord syndrome ?
Clinical manifestations include loss of motor function, pain, temperature sensation, crude touch, and pressure below the injury site, with preserved proprioception and fine touch.
Explain the etiology of brown- séquard syndrome
Brown-Séquard syndrome results from a hemisection of the spinal cord, typically due to penetrating injury.
What are the clinical manifestation of brown- séquard syndrome ?
presents with ipsilateral loss of motor function, proprioception, and vibration, along with contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation.
What level of SCI might lead to ventilator dependence due to diaphragm innervation loss?
Injuries at the C3-C4, anything above C5
What are diagnostic procedures essential for confirming a spinal cord injury ?
X-ray
Ct scan
MRI
UA
H&H/HCT
CBC
Neuro exam
What is neurogenic shock?
a temporary loss of all neurological activity below the injury level, including sensation and spinal reflexes, leading to flaccid paralysis.
What are some characteristics of neurogenic shock?
Hypotension
Bradycardia
Reduced cardiac output
Peripheral vasodilation
Temperature instability.
What are the interventions for managing autonomic dysreflexia?
Monitor blood pressure
Elevate HOB
Remove restrictive clothing
Check for bladder and bowel issues
Administer antihypertensives
What are some nursing interventions to prevent complications in patients with SCI?
Maintain suction equipment at bedside
Teach cough and deep breathing
Ensuring spinal immobilization
Perform passive ROM
Reposition regularly
Educating about skin care
What are the primary goals of rehabilitation for patients with SCI?
Minimizing muscle wasting
Prevent contractures
Relearning of ADL’s
Maximizing mobility
What are characteristics of central cord syndrome?
A) Loss of motor function below the injury level
B) Loss of sensation primarily in the legs
C) Greater functional motor loss in the arms than in the legs
D) Complete recovery of sensory and motor functions
C) Greater functional motor loss in the arms than in the legs
Which syndrome presents with preserved proprioception and fine touch but loss of motor function, pain, and temperature sensation below the injury site?
A) Central cord syndrome
B) Anterior cord syndrome
C) Posterior cord syndrome
D) Brown-Séquard syndrome
B. Anterior cord syndrome
What is a clinical manifestation of Brown-Séquard syndrome?
A) Ipsilateral loss of motor function and proprioception
B) Contralateral loss of motor function and pain sensation
C) Bilateral loss of motor and sensory functions
D) Loss of sensation only
A. Ipsilateral loss of motor function and proprioception
At what spinal cord level might a patient become ventilator dependent duet o diaphragm loss?
A. T6
B. C3-C4
C. L5
D. S1
B. C3- C4
What diagnostic test is most suitable for evaluating spinal cord injuries for bony fragments or acute disk herniation?
A. Standard X-ray
B. MRI
C. UA
D. CT scan
D. CT scan
What is key interventions for managing autonomic dysreflexia in a patient with a spinal cord injury ?
A) Administering sedatives
B) Monitoring blood pressure closely
C) Providing a warm blanket
D) Encouraging deep breathing exercises
B. Monitoring Blood pressure closely
Which nursing intervention is essential to prevent complications like skin breakdown in a spinal cord injury patients ?
A. Administering muscle relaxers
B. Providing passive range of motion exercises
C. Apply a halo traction
D. Educating about proper skin care and repositioning
D. Educating about proper skin care and repositioning
What is the primary goal of rehabilitation in spinal cord injury patients ?
A) Maximizing muscle wasting
B) Minimizing mobility
C) Preventing contractures
D) Minimizing activities of daily living (ADLs)
C) Preventing contractures
Which diagnostic imaging modality is most appropriate for visualizing acute compression of the spinal cord ?
A. Standard X-ray
B. CT scan
C. MRI
D. Ultrasound
C. MRI
What is the key nursing intervention to prevent complications related to immobility in spinal cord injury patients?
A. Administering vasopressors
B. Performing passive range of motion
C. Monitoring ECG continuously
D. Applying HALO traction
B. Performing passive range of motion
Which medication is commonly used to manage neuropathic pain in spinal cord injuries ?
A. Opioids
B. Aspirin
C. Gabapentin
D. Antibiotics
C. Gabapentin
What is the recommended nursing intervention to prevent skin breakdown in a patient with spinal cord injury who uses a wheelchair?
A) Applying ice packs to bony prominences
B) Performing passive range of motion exercises
C) Encouraging the use of pressure-relieving cushions
D) Administering muscle relaxants regularly
C) Encouraging the use of pressure-relieving cushions
During the acute phase of spinal cord injury, what nursing action takes priority to prevent respiratory complications?
A) Encouraging ambulation
B) Administering opioid analgesics
C) Teaching deep breathing and coughing exercises
D) Applying ice packs to the neck
C) Teaching deep breathing and coughing exercises
What medications is commonly used to manage spasticity in patients with spinal cord injuries?
A. Lovenox
B. Gabapentin
C. Baclofen
D. Atropine
C. Baclofen
What nursing intervention is essential when performing pin site care for a patient in halo traction?
A) Administering antihypertensive medications
B) Monitoring blood glucose levels
C) Ensuring proper alignment of the halo device
D) Checking for signs of infection and skin breakdown
D) Checking for signs of infection and skin breakdown
Which nursing action is appropriate when assessing a patient with spinal cord injury in bowel management ?
A) Administering laxatives without assessing bowel function
B) Encouraging increased fluid intake only
C) Implementing a bowel training regimen
D) Applying a heating pad to the abdomen
C) Implementing a bowel training regimen
A patient with a spinal cord injury at T6 presents with symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia. What initial nursing intervention should be prioritized?
A) Administering pain medication
B) Elevating the head of the bed
C) Checking for bladder distension
D) Performing passive range of motion exercises
B. Elevate head of bed
What is the primary rationale for implementing intermittent catheterization in a patient with a spinal cord injury affecting bladder function?
A) Preventing urinary tract infections
B) Promoting bladder distension
C) Minimizing fluid intake
D) Reducing the need for bladder training
A. Preventing urinary tract infection
When educating a patient with spinal cord injury about preventing pressure ulcers, what should the nurse emphasize regarding skin care?
A) Avoiding use of moisturizers
B) Keeping the skin dry and unwashed
C) Performing regular skin assessments
D) Using abrasive cleansing pads
C. Perform regular skin assessments
What nursing action is appropriate to manage neurogenic shock in a patient with a spinal cord injury ?
A. Administration of vasopressors to increase blood pressure
B. Elevate the legs above the heart level
C. Encouraging deep breathing exercise
D. Applying cold packs to the extremities
B.elevate the legs above the heart level
Explanation: Elevating the legs helps facilitate venous return and improve circulation in patients experiencing neurogenic shock.
Select all nursing interventions that are appropriate for managing autonomic dysreflexia in a patient with a spinal cord injury:
A) Elevating the head of the bed
B) Administering antihypertensive medications as ordered
C) Checking for bladder distention and catheterizing if needed
D) Applying cold packs to the extremities
E) Assessing for bowel impaction and providing interventions if necessary
A) Elevating the head of the bed
B) Administering antihypertensive medications as ordered
C) Checking for bladder distention and catheterizing if needed
E) Assessing for bowel impaction and providing interventions if necessary
Select all nursing actions that are essential for preventing skin breakdown in a patient with a spinal cord injury who uses a wheelchair
A. Encouraging adequate fluid intake
B) Applying pressure-relieving cushions on the wheelchair
C) Performing regular skin assessments
D) Educating the patient on proper skin care techniques
E) Administering muscle relaxants to prevent spasticity
B) Applying pressure-relieving cushions on the wheelchair
C) Performing regular skin assessments
D) Educating the patient on proper skin care techniques
Select all appropriate nursing interventions for promoting respiratory function in a patient with a cervical spinal cord injury:
A) Encouraging use of incentive spirometry
B) Performing passive range of motion exercises
C) Teaching deep breathing and coughing techniques
D) Monitoring for signs of autonomic dysreflexia
E) Administering opioid analgesics as needed
A. Encouraging use of incentive spirometer
C. Teaching deep breathing and coughing
Which of the following are clinical manifestations associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?
A) High fever and chills
B) Ascending flaccid paralysis
C) Joint pain and stiffness
D) Increased deep tendon reflexes
B. Ascending flaccid paralysis
Which statement accurately describes the stages of GBS?
A) The acute stage is characterized by demyelination and axonal regeneration.
B) The recovery stage is marked by onset of clinical manifestations and inflammation.
C) The plateau stage is when demyelination ceases, lasting a few days to weeks.
D) The acute stage typically lasts several months before improvement is seen.
C) The plateau stage is when demyelination ceases, lasting a few days to weeks.
Which diagnostic test result is typical in GBS?
A. Elevated white blood cell count in CSF
B. Decreased protein level in lumbar puncture
C. Slowed nerve conduction velocity on electromyography (EMG)
D. Normal deep tendon reflexes in affected limbs
C. Slowed nerve conduction velocity on electromyography (EMG)
Which intervention is a priority in the acute management of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?
A) Administering high-dose corticosteroids
B) Initiating plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy
C) Implementing strict bed rest and immobilization
D) Administering prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infections
B) Initiating plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy