Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

N4: Test 2 > Traumatic SCI > Flashcards

Traumatic SCI Flashcards

(51 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What is the primary function of the spinal cord?

A

Central relay for motor and sensory information between the brain and body

Also coordinates reflexes.

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

What are common causes of spinal cord injury (SCI)?

A
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Falls
  • Acts of violence
  • Sports injuries

Other potential causes include diving accidents and industrial mishaps.

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

What are the mechanisms of spinal cord injury?

A
  • Cord Compression
  • Penetrating Trauma
  • Traction
  • Laceration or Rupture

Each mechanism describes a different way the spinal cord can be damaged.

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

What does the location of a spinal cord injury determine?

A

Which body functions are affected

Location is defined by vertebral level or neurological level of injury.

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

What is affected in cervical injury at C4?

A

Affects breathing and may require ventilation

The C4 vertebra innervates (sends signals to) the diaphragm.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the difference between complete and incomplete spinal cord injury?

A
  • Complete: Total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury
  • Incomplete: Some sensory and motor functions may remain

Incomplete injuries allow for the possibility of recovery.

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

What are the two types of spinal cord injuries?

A
  • Primary Injury
  • Secondary Injury

Primary injuries occur at the time of trauma, while secondary injuries develop after the initial injury.

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

What characterizes a primary spinal cord injury?

A

Occurs at the time of trauma and is usually permanent

It results from disruption of axons, blood vessels, and cell membranes.

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

What are some types of primary spinal cord injury?

A
  • Cord compression
  • Penetrating trauma
  • Traction injury
  • Laceration
  • Rupture

Each type refers to a specific way the spinal cord can be damaged.

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

What defines a secondary spinal cord injury?

A
  • Ongoing damage after the initial trauma
  • Minutes to months

Secondary injuries can occur from ischemia, edema, and microhemorrhages.

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

What are the effects of cervical injuries C1-C3?

A

Often fatal and will be ventilator dependent

These injuries result in paralysis of all four limbs (quadriplegia/tetraplegia).

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

What is spinal shock?

A

Complete but temporary loss of all motor, sensory, reflex, and autonomic function BELOW injury

Usually resolves in 24-48 hours when deep tendon reflexes return.

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

What is the priority nursing intervention for spinal shock?

A

Maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 85 or greater
* MAP: indicator of blood flow to vital organs & tissue.

Hyperperfuse= This helps prevent ischemia.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What vasopressor meds are used for spinal shock?

A

Atropine, Dopamine, Epinephrine
* used to help raise and maintain BP.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are common complications Post cervical spine surgery?

A
  • Breathing issues
  • Pneumonia
  • Bleeding
  • Swallowing difficulties

These complications arise due to nerve involvement and reduced mobility.

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

what is autonomic dysreflexiw

A
  • sudden and serious condition
  • injuries above the T6 level (mid-thoracic)
  • occurs when the body reacts in an exaggerated way to a stimulus below the level of the injury, like a full bladder, constipation, or tight clothing
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What level of injury is associated with autonomic dysreflexia?

A

Damage at T6 and above

Autonomic dysreflexia is characterized by a sudden and dangerous increase in blood pressure.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are the nursing goals in the field for an acute unstable spinal cord injury?

A
  • No. 1 - Immobilize the patient
  • Stabilize vital signs (ABC)
    -Maintain systolic BP >90
  • Transport to a trauma center

Immobilization prevents secondary injury and is crucial for patient safety.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Fill in the blank: The _________ test is always used to check neurological status in spinal cord injury.

A

[Dermatome]

It evaluates sensory function to determine the level of injury.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What care is needed for SCI patients to prevent urinary tract infections?

A
  • Proper catheter care
  • Hydration
  • Signs of infection (fever, cloudy urine, foul odor)

Effective monitoring can greatly reduce the risk of UTIs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is the role of corticosteroids in spinal cord injury treatment?

Study These Flashcards
A

High-dose corticosteroids are controversial and may be used to reduce inflammation

Their use is debated due to potential side effects.

22
Q

Anticoag drugs used for SCI

Study These Flashcards
A
  • enoxaparin (Lovenox)
  • warfarin
  • aspirin
  • heparin
23
Q

What is the purpose of a log roll technique in spinal cord injury care?

Study These Flashcards
A

To move the patient in alignment as a unit

This technique helps prevent further injury during patient handling.

24
Q

True or False: Flaccid paralysis occurs below the level of injury in spinal shock.

Study These Flashcards
A

True

This paralysis results from nerve damage affecting muscle control.

25
What is the impact of lumbar and sacral injuries on bowel and bladder control?
* Cessation of bowel movements * Urinary retention * Affects sexual function in men ## Footnote Injury above S2 in males allows erection but not ejaculation.
26
Q: What types of urincary catheters are recommended for managing **urinary retention** in SCI patients?
A: Use **intermittent catheterization** (temporary) or a **urinary retention catheter** as needed.
27
What does thick, yellow or green sputum indicate?
Infection ## Footnote Indicates a potential respiratory infection.
28
What does clear or white sputum suggest?
Mild secretion buildup ## Footnote May indicate less severe respiratory issues.
29
What subjective feelings should be assessed in patients regarding respiratory health?
Shortness of breath, chest tightness, discomfort when breathing ## Footnote Important for evaluating respiratory function.
30
What skin color changes should be monitored in respiratory assessments?
Cyanosis, paleness, cool clammy skin ## Footnote Indicates hypoxia or poor perfusion.
31
What is the purpose of using an incentive spirometer?
Promote lung expansion and prevent atelectasis ## Footnote Encourages deep breathing to improve oxygenation.
32
What is a quad cough?
Manual pressure applied to abdomen while coughing ## Footnote Assists in expelling secretions.
33
List early signs of respiratory complications that patients should recognize.
* Increased coughing * Difficulty clearing secretions * Shortness of breath * Fever or chills * Changes in sputum ## Footnote Important for timely intervention.
34
What causes orthostatic hypotension in spinal cord injury (SCI)?
Impaired vasoconstriction and blood pooling ## Footnote Results from interruption of normal reflex arcs.
35
What intervention should be taken if a patient experiences orthostatic hypotension?
Lower the head of the bed or lie flat ## Footnote Helps increase venous return and improve circulation.
36
What are TED hose used for?
Improve venous return and reduce blood pooling ## Footnote Provide gentle compression in lower extremities.
37
What is the role of a pneumatic compression device?
Promote circulation in lower extremities ## Footnote Assists in preventing blood pooling.
38
How should patients be taught to reposition if experiencing orthostatic hypotension?
Change positions slowly, lie flat, elevate legs ## Footnote Helps prevent sudden drops in blood pressure.
39
What is constipation during spinal shock?
Bowel becomes areflexic or flaccid ## Footnote Normal bowel reflexes are disrupted due to neurological loss.
40
What interventions can help with constipation in spinal shock?
* Rectal stimulation * Digital stimulation * Suppositories or mini-enemas ## Footnote Necessary to encourage bowel movements.
41
What are stress ulcers?
Physiologic responses to severe trauma or stress ## Footnote Typically occur in the stomach or duodenum due to increased gastric acid.
42
What medications can prevent stress ulcers?
* Histamine H2 blockers * Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) ## Footnote Reduce gastric acid secretion to prevent ulcer formation.
43
What is neurogenic bladder?
Spastic (Upper Motor Neuron) vs. Flaccid (Lower Motor Neuron) bladder ## Footnote Requires different management strategies.
44
What are the risks associated with the integumentary system in patients with SCI?
Risk for pressure ulcers ## Footnote Prevention includes turning schedules and skin assessments.
45
What types of pain are associated with SCI?
* Nociceptive Pain * Neuropathic Pain ## Footnote Nociceptive is musculoskeletal or visceral; neuropathic is burning or tingling.
46
What are clinical signs of autonomic dysreflexia?
* Severe headache * Hypertension * Bradycardia * Sweating above injury level ## Footnote Requires prompt nursing actions.
47
What is neurogenic shock?
Loss of vasomotor tone, hypotension, bradycardia ## Footnote A serious complication of SCI.
48
What nursing actions are necessary for managing pneumonia and UTI in SCI patients?
* Use incentive spirometry * Ensure hydration * Implement bladder training ## Footnote Prevention strategies are crucial.
49
What are the goals of rehabilitation and home care for SCI patients?
* Regain autonomy * Prevent complications * Train on bowel and bladder management ## Footnote Focus on improving quality of life.
50
What is important to include in discharge planning for SCI patients?
* Patient understanding of diagnosis * Support systems * Medication administration * Recognition of complications * Home care practices ## Footnote Ensures continuity of care post-discharge.
51
What is the role of collaborative care in SCI management?
Involve an interdisciplinary team for comprehensive care ## Footnote Coordination with various therapies enhances rehabilitation.

N4: Test 2 (4 decks)

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