Download (2026): NUR 2048 Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and more Lecture notes Advanced Education in PDF only on Docsity!
What is a spinal cord injury (SCI)? Vertebrae or other objects are forced against the spinal cord, damaging nerve cells and preventing transmission of nerve impulses between the body and the brain.
What is a hyperextension SCI? Too much extension; Head moves backwards
What is a hyper flexion SCI? Too much flexion; chin to chest movement
What causes a compression SCI? (2) - Diving into water
Which SCI is the worst? Rotational injuries
What are examples of transection-penetrating trauma? (2)
- Gunshot wound
- Knife wound
Where so transection-penetrating trauma usually occur? Discs
What are risk factors for SCI? (6) - Male
- 16-30 years old
- MVC
- Falling
- Violence
- Sports
- Alcohol/drugs
What are prevention methods for SCI? - Driver safety
- Helmets
- Sports education
- Risk for falls
- Geographic
What are clinical manifestations of an SCI? (8) - Pain
- Pressure
- Weakness
- Paralysis
- Loss of sensation
- Loss of bowel/bladder control
- Altered breathing
- Oddly positioned back
What is a complete SCI? total loss of sensory/motor function below level of injury
What is a incomplete SCI? partial loss sensory/motor function
What is the level of injury? Lowest neurologic segment with intact motor/sensory function
What do patients with a C3 or higher injury need? Ventilation
What is paraplegia? Paralysis of the legs (T1 & lower)
What is spinal shock? Spinal cord swelling (temporary)
What is incomplete SCI syndrome? Bundle of nerve fibers at the bottom of the spinal cord (caudal equina, syndrome develops when nerves become irritated
How is incomplete SCI syndrome treated? Emergency surgery
What are symptoms of incomplete SCI syndrome? (3) - Lower back pain
- Numbness in legs
- Numbness in groin/ urinary/bowel incontinence
What are cardiovascular complications of SCI? (2) - Dysrhythmias
What are interventions for cardiovascular complications for SCI? (5)
- Vasopressor to raise BP
- Encourage fluids
- SCD's
- Abdominal binder
- Change positions slowly
What are respiratory complications for SCI? (4) - Atelectasis
- Pneumonia
- Pulmonary embolism
- Death from sepsis
What are interventions for respiratory complications for SCI?
- Quad cough/assisted cough
- Anticoagulants for PE
What are integumentary complications for SCI? Pressure ulcers
What are interventions for autonomic dysreflexia? - First, change position
What is emergent treatment for an SCI? Spine stabilization
What are diagnostic tests for an SCI? (2) - CT
What is a non-operative treatment for an SCI? Halo fixator
What is a Halo Fixator? Stabilizes spine & allows pt. to move around
How long does a SCI pt. where a Halo Fixator? 8-12 weeks
What medications are used for an SCI? (5) - Vasopressors
- Anticoagulants
- Antibiotics
- Pain medications
- Muscle relaxants
What rehabilitation is used for SCI? (4) - OT
What surgical procedures are used for SCI? - Spinal decompression
- Cervical fusion
- Harrington rods (Thoracic/lumbar)
