Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

NUR 357 > Spinal injury including neurogenic and spinal shock > Flashcards

Spinal injury including neurogenic and spinal shock Flashcards

(51 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

Name the functions of the vertebral column

A
  • Protection of spinal cord
  • Structure
  • Allow movement - muscles
  • Nerve distribution & protection (posterior Vertebral Arch)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Describe the structure of the spinal column

A

Vertebrae separated by an intervertebral disk

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the functions of intervertebral disks?

A

Shock absorption and movement

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Name a section of the vertebral column that does not have intervertebral discs separating the vertebrae

A

C1 - C2

Sacrum - cocyx

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Describe each section of the spinal column

  • Name each section
  • How many vertebrae in each column
  • Describe the characteristics of each section
A

Cervical = 7 vertebrae - C1-C7

  • Flexible + mobile
  • Allows for rotation, lateral flexion and anterior/posterior flexion

Thoracic = 12 vertebrae - T1-T12

  • Strong
  • Separated by intervertebral discs
  • Small range of movement
  • Does allow for limited rotation
  • Connected to ribs

Lumbar = 5 vertebrae - L1-L5

  • Highly mobile
  • Allows for rotation, flexion and extension
  • Large, Strong - weight bearing
Sacrum = 5 fused vertebrae
Cocyx = 4 fused vertebrae
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Why is the spine curved?

A

To allow us to carry weight (mainly bodyweight) and support our centre of gravity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Describe the natural S curve of the spine. (Medical terminology)

A

C - Lordosis
T - Kyphosis
L - Lordosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What area of the spine is most likely to be damaged by wear and tear

A

Lumbar vertebrae L3-L5

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What area of the spine is most likely to be damaged by trauma

A

C7-T1

T12 - L1

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What condition normally causes exaggerated lordosis?

A

Pregnancy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the medical term for “hunch back”?

A

Kyphosis / exageratd kyphosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Describe the term scoliosis

A

Abnormal S-shaped curvature of the spine from left to right

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

name the 3 structural parts of a vertebrae

A
  • Body
  • Arch
  • Articular processes
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Describe the structure and function of the body of the vertebrae

A
  • Transfers weight along the axis of the column
  • Connected by ligaments
  • Separated by intervertebral discs
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Describe the structure and function of the vertebral arch of the vertebrae

A
  • Forms the posterior margin of the vertebral foramen
  • Pedicles (walls)
  • Laminae (roof)

These three aspects form the vertebral canal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Why is a fractured vertebrae concerning?

A
  • Unstable fractures may press on or transect the spinal cord causing irreversible damage
  • Painful
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Describe the structure and function of the Lumbar vertebrae

A
  • Largest vertebrae
  • Thicker vertebrae
  • Bear the most weight
  • Spinous process - surface attachment for lower back muscles
  • Separated by intervertebral disks
  • Highly mobile
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Describe the structure of intervertebral disks

A
  • Nucleus Pulposus – soft, elastic, gelatinous core,
    compressible. Surrounded by :
  • Anulus Fibrosus – fibrous ring, shock absorber
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

How does the ageing process affect intervertebral disks?

A

less water content in Nucleus Pulposus

  • reduced shock absorbency
  • Length of the vertebral column shortens
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is a slipped disk?

What is it caused by?

A

Anulus Fibrosus weakens, Nucleus Pulposus herniates and puts pressure on the spinal cord.

Caused by:
. Mechanical injury 
  - heavy load, incorrect manual handling technique 
. Obesity 
. Trauma
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What causes neurogenic shock?

Study These Flashcards
A

Interuption of sympathetic stimulation at T6 or above

loss of sympathetic stimulation due to cord injury results in loss of muscle tone and loss of normal vasoconstriction

Reduced vasoconstriction = reduced peripheral resistance = reduced BP

Neurogenic shock is caused by a loss of muscle tone which reduces BP and results in inadequate perfusion of organs

22
Q

What is shock?

Study These Flashcards
A

Inadequate perfusion of the vital organs

- low blood pressure

23
Q

How do you calculate BP?

Study These Flashcards
A

CO x peripheral resistance

24
Q

Name 3 signs/symptoms of neurogenic shock?

Study These Flashcards
A

Hypotension, bradycardia, flushed warm extremeties (due to vaodilation)

  • urine output remains within normal range
25
Why would a pateint in neurogenic shock require an IDC? Explain your answers
- incontinence - Muscle tone | - monitor urine output (it's possible to have have hypovolaemic shock AND neurogenic shock simultaneously)
26
Describe what is meant by the term spinal shock and how it is different to neurogenic shock
- Temporary state – lasts days to weeks - Loss of motor and sensory function below level of cord injury. - Loss of all spinal reflexes below injury - Flaccid paralysis (including bladder and bowel) - Priapism may be present - Ends when reflex arcs below level of injury start to return. Different as it is related to neurological function rather than blood pressure
27
What is poikilothermia?
Inability to maintain core body temperature
28
Why is important to pay attention to the temperature of a spinal patient?
Spinal injury: Impairs the ability of the hypothalamus in maintain core body temperature - unable to sweat Results in vasodilation and loss of heat through this mechanism
29
What are the 2 classifications of spinal injuries?
- Tetraplegia | - Paraplegia
30
Describe Tetraplegia
- Impairment or loss of motor and / or sensory function in cervical segments of spinal cord as a result of damage to neural elements of cord - Decreased function to arms, trunk, legs and pelvic organs
31
Describe Paraplegia
- Impairment or loss of motor and / or sensory function in thoracic, lumbar or sacral segments of cord as a result of damage to neural elements of cord - Arm function remains intact - Trunk, legs and pelvic organs may be involved.
32
What are the 3 main risk factors of spinal cord injuries?
- Age - Gender - Alcohol / drug use
33
What are the leading causes of traumatic spinal injury?
- Motor vehicles - Falls - Snowboarding - Rugby - Diving
34
What are the most common vertebrae damaged in a traumatic spinal injury?
C5 – 7, T12 and L1
35
Classification of blood pressure levels in adults SYSTOLIC (mmHg) AND/OR DIASTOLIC (mmHg) - normal - high normal - mild hypotension
Classification of blood pressure levels in adults SYSTOLIC (mmHg) AND/OR DIASTOLIC (mmHg) Normal 120–129 and/or 80–84 High-normal 130–139 and/or 85–89 (mild) hypertension) 140–159 and/or 90–99 (moderate) hypertension 160–179 and/or 100–109 (severe) hypertension ≥180 and/or ≥110
36
How does the SNS cause HTN | 3 causes
- ^SNS activity = ^HR and systemic vasoconstriction - SNS activity -> vascular remodelling -> permanent increases in peripheral resistance - renal sodium retention, insulin resistance, increased renin and angiotensin levels and procoagulant effects are all induced by the sympathetic nervous system
37
Primary spinal cord injury
Mechanical – bone fragments, direct trauma Damage to axons, blood vessels, cell membranes of cord
38
Secondary spinal cord injury
Occurs minutes to years after the primary injury Changes in blood supply Electrical activity
39
Application of cervical collar | - Indications
Alteration in sensory or motor function | Unconscious
40
AE cervical collar
increased ICP
41
Immediate care
? Application of cervical collar Inline spinal control Observe airway - vomit Aim to prevent secondary injury: - Observe for neurogenic shock - Further movement causing further damage - Reduce inflammation Assessment and stabilise patient: - CT / MRI scan with xray - Consider patient pressure areas!
42
Ongoing care
May require Halo frame Gastrointestinal dysfunction: - May require nasogastric tube for first 48 hrs - Distension and inability to empty bowel - Slow digestive processes Genito urinary dysfunction - Urinary catheter required, Loss of voluntary bladder control - Priapism in men - Impotence in men - Pressure care crucial
43
Ongoing care
May require Halo frame Gastrointestinal dysfunction: - May require nasogastric tube for first 48 hrs - Distension and inability to empty bowel - Slow digestive processes Genito - urinary dysfunction - Urinary catheter required, Loss of voluntary bladder control - Priapism in men - Impotence in men - Pressure care crucial
44
Explain th purpose of a cervical collar
The purpose of a cervical collar is to support your neck and spinal cord, and to limit the movement of your neck and head. They're typically meant for short-term use
45
Explain what a log roll is and its’ purpose
to maintain alignment of the spine during movement
46
Explain what autonomic dysreflexia is
Occurs in people who experience an SCI at or above T6 An imbalance in the autonomic nervous system (SNS and PSNS) Bowel or bladder is stimulated and try to send a signal to your brain but the impulse only reaches the point of injury where it triggers the SNS causing vasoconstriction -> hypertension. Body compensates by activating PSNS -> bradycardia. PSNS is triggered to counteract SNS excitibility but this signal only reaches the level of injury. therefore, PSNS - excited above level of injury SNS - excited below the level of injury
47
What will happen if Autonomic Dysreflexia is not treated
it can lead to status epilepticus, stroke, myocardial infarction and even death.
48
Name some nursing interventions for Autonomic Dysreflexia
- sitting the patient upright, - removing any constrictive clothing - Monitor BP frequently during the episode (every 2–5 minutes) - notifying the medical practitioner and determining the cause. - If symptoms persist after the source has been relieved, administration of a short-acting antihypertensive should be considered The most common cause is bladder irritation. - Immediate catheterisation to relieve bladder distension may be necessary. If a catheter is already in place, check it for kinks or folds. If the catheter is blocked, perform small-volume bladder irrigation gently (with no more than 10–15 mL of sterile 0.9% saline at body temperature). Stool impaction can also result in autonomic dysreflexia. - - A digital rectal examination can be performed, - application of lignocaine ointment will decrease rectal stimulation and avoid increasing symptoms.
49
What are some symptoms of Autonomic Dysreflexia
- hypertension (up to 300 mmHg systolic), - bradycardia (30–40 beats/minute), - piloerection (erection of body hair) as a result of pilomotor spasm, - blurred vision or spots in the visual fields, - nasal congestion, - anxiety and - nausea • Sudden onset of acute, pounding headache • Flushed face and upper chest (above the level of injury) and pale extremities (below the level of injury) * Sweating above the level of injury * Nasal congestion * Feeling of apprehension
50
At what level of injury should the nurse monitor the patient for autonomic dysreflexia
Occurs in people who experience an SCI at or above T6
51
Common causes of Autonomic dysreflexia
often initiated by an issue with the bladder - IDC, UTI, distension issues in the bowel - impaction, distension.

NUR 357 (4 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions