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