spinal cord injury

Question 1

spinal cord injuries are classified by level of injury, what are they

Answer 1

quadiplegia/tetraplegia: impairment of motor and sensory function of arms, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs

paraplegia: impairment of motor and sensory function in thoracic, lumbar, and sacral segments of spinal cord

Question 2

upper motor neuron damage leads to…

Answer 2

spastic paralysis and hyperreflexia

Question 3

lower motor neuron damage leads to…

Answer 3

flaccidity of muscles and muscle atrophy

Question 4

describe manifestations of spinal cord injuries

Answer 4

• dependent on level of injury
• symptoms of complete SCI are irreversible with loss of function
• incomplete SCI symptoms may vary with severity
• changes in ANS: temp regulation, bowel/bladder function, hypotension

Question 5

describe carisoprodol

Answer 5

• centrally acting (blocks signals)
• used for painful musculoskeletal conditions
• action is unknown

Question 6

describe baclofen

Answer 6

• centrally acting (blocks signals)
• used to relieve spasticity with MS, flexor spams, muscle rigidity
• action is unknown

Question 7

describe dantrolene

Answer 7

• peripherally acting
• used to control upper motor spasticity d/t SCI, CVA, cerebral palsy, MS
• used to prevent and treat malignant hyperthermia

action: interferes with the release of calcium in the sarcoplasmic reticulum to relax skeletal muscle

Question 8

describe cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride

Answer 8

• short term use
• relief of muscle spasms

Question 9

describe tizanidine

Answer 9

• short term use
• for spasticity

Question 10

what are some adverse effects of drugs used to treat muscle spasms/spasticity

Answer 10

• CNS depression

black box warning for dantrolene: fatal liver impairment

Question 11

what are some contraindications of drugs used to treat muscle spasms/spasticity

Answer 11

• epilepsy
• pregnancy

Question 12

what are some nursing implications for drugs used to treat muscle spasms/spasticity

Answer 12

• use caution with other CNS depressants
• fall risk

Question 13

describe patient education for drugs used to treat muscle spasms/spasticity

Answer 13

• avoid other CNS depressants (opioids, alcohol)
• use caution getting up

Question 14

a nurse is giving a peripherally acting muscle relaxer for a spinal cord injury. which of the following medication is peripherally acting?

1. dantrolene
2. baclofen
3. methocarbamol
4. diazepam

Answer 14

1. dantrolene

dantrolene is the only preipherally acting muscle relaxant. this means the med works directly on muscle fibers