Challenges & Organ Donation Exam | Questions
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Terms in this set (78)
What are common causes of spinal - Motor vehicle incidents
cord injuries (SCI)? - Narrowing of the spinal cord
- Osteoarthritis
- Lesions
Define complete SCI Loss of all voluntary motor and sensory function
below the level of injury.
Define incomplete SCI Preservation of some sensory or motor function
below the level of injury.
Briefly explain cervical SCI's - Vulnerable due to poor stability
- C1-C5 is often fatal, affecting breathing
Briefly explain thoracic and lumbar - Requires large force for injury
SCI's - Above T6 may cause cardiac issues
, What are primary mechanisms of - Hyperflexion (head-on collision)
SCI? - Hyperextension
- Flexion rotation (forward bending and twisting)
- Compression (diving injury)
- Distraction (pulling apart of vertebrae)
Explain the intraparenchymal - Vasospasm reduces blood flow to spinal column
hemorrhage or ischemia of - Hypotension and thrombosis occurs
secondary SCI's - Ischemia can spread if the cord is not restored
Explain the inflammatory process of - Ischemia-reperfusion injury causes endothelial
secondary SCI's dysfunction and changes in vascular permeability
- Swelling increases pressure on the spinal column
How are SCI's diagnosed? - Radiography
- CT
- MRI
- Angiography
What is the priority in assessments - Q1H neurologic exams for the first 24hrs
for SCI's? - Monitor for respiratory failure in the first days
following SCI
How does the order or motor and - Motor: Head --> lower body
sensory assessment differ? - Sensory: Lower --> upper body and distal -->
proximal
How is position sense Move the big toe and thumbs up and down and ask
(proprioception) tested? the patient to confirm the direction.
How do deep tendon reflexes relate Presence of deep tendon reflexes below the level
to spinal shock? of injury indicates the cord is coming out of spinal
shock.