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AHN 447 TEST 3 Questions with
Detailed Verified Answers
cervical traction is contraindicated in Answer: unstable
hyperextension injuries
Cervical spine clearance Answer: done by an ER, neuro, or
orthopedic physician
Occiput to T1 need to be cleared
no need for xray if patient is:
awake and oriented
has no distracting injuries
has no drugs on board
no neck pain
neurologically intact
MRI Answer: shows tumors and soft tissues (herniated discs)
very well
may be used to clear c-spine in comatose patients
CT scan Answer: good in acute situations
shows bone very well
soft tissues (discs, spinal cord) are poorly visualized
do not give contrast in trauma patients
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methylprednisolone (solu-medrol) Answer: only used if started
within 8 hours of injury
exclusion criteria: cauda equina syndrome, GSW, pregnant,
younger than 13, patient is on maintenance steroids
management of SCI in hospital Answer: NGT to suction-
prevents aspiration and decompresses the abdomen (paralytic
ileus is common in first days)
foley-urinary retention is common
Central Cord Syndrome Answer: cervical spine cord
involvement with arms more affected than legs.
may occur w/ trauma, tumors, infections, etc
traumatic lesions improve in 1-2 weeks
surgical decompression may be indicated if there is spinal
stenosis
cardiovascular assessment for SCI Answer: hypotension
bradycardia
vasovagal reflex
poikilothermy (temp fluctuation)
venous thrombosis
GU assessment of SPI Answer: autonomic hyperreflexia
(above T6)-life threatening. BP shoots high, sweat profusely,
goosebumps, anxious, and can be brought on by having
bladder that is too full
UTI
AHN 447 TEST 3 Questions with
Detailed Verified Answers
cervical traction is contraindicated in Answer: unstable
hyperextension injuries
Cervical spine clearance Answer: done by an ER, neuro, or
orthopedic physician
Occiput to T1 need to be cleared
no need for xray if patient is:
awake and oriented
has no distracting injuries
has no drugs on board
no neck pain
neurologically intact
MRI Answer: shows tumors and soft tissues (herniated discs)
very well
may be used to clear c-spine in comatose patients
CT scan Answer: good in acute situations
shows bone very well
soft tissues (discs, spinal cord) are poorly visualized
do not give contrast in trauma patients
, Page | 2
methylprednisolone (solu-medrol) Answer: only used if started
within 8 hours of injury
exclusion criteria: cauda equina syndrome, GSW, pregnant,
younger than 13, patient is on maintenance steroids
management of SCI in hospital Answer: NGT to suction-
prevents aspiration and decompresses the abdomen (paralytic
ileus is common in first days)
foley-urinary retention is common
Central Cord Syndrome Answer: cervical spine cord
involvement with arms more affected than legs.
may occur w/ trauma, tumors, infections, etc
traumatic lesions improve in 1-2 weeks
surgical decompression may be indicated if there is spinal
stenosis
cardiovascular assessment for SCI Answer: hypotension
bradycardia
vasovagal reflex
poikilothermy (temp fluctuation)
venous thrombosis
GU assessment of SPI Answer: autonomic hyperreflexia
(above T6)-life threatening. BP shoots high, sweat profusely,
goosebumps, anxious, and can be brought on by having
bladder that is too full
UTI
