TNS - Spinal Cord Trauma
what is the distal portion of the spinal cord that is composed of nerve roots that looks
like a horse's tail? - ANSWER-cauda equina
which artery provides blood supply to the anterior 2/3 of the spinal cord? - ANSWER-
one anterior spinal artery
which arteries provided blood supply to the posterior 1/3 of the cord? - ANSWER-two
posterior spinal arteries
what are the 5 main anatomical divisions of the vertebral column? - ANSWER-Cervical
Thoracic
Lumbar
Sacral
Coccyx
what areas do the sympathetic fibers exit from the spinal cord? - ANSWER-thoracic and
lumbar areas
List the # of Bone and # of Nerve Roots for each division of the vertebral column:
Cervical - ANSWER-# Bones - 7
# Nerve Roots - 8
List the # of Bone and # of Nerve Roots for each division of the vertebral column:
Thoracic - ANSWER-# Bones - 12
# Nerve Roots - 12
List the # of Bone and # of Nerve Roots for each division of the vertebral column:
Lumbar - ANSWER-# Bones - 5
# Nerve Roots - 5
List the # of Bone and # of Nerve Roots for each division of the vertebral column: Sacral
- ANSWER-# Bones - 5 fused vertebrae (1 plate)
# Nerve Roots - 5
List the # of Bone and # of Nerve Roots for each division of the vertebral column:
Coccyx - ANSWER-# Bones - 3-5 fused vertebrae
, # Nerve Roots - none or 1
TRUE OR FALSE: the vagus nerves exit from the cervical area of the cord prior to
innervating the heart. - ANSWER-FALSE
Which injury is described as a spontaneously reversible physiologic disruption of the
cord with transient deficits for 24-48 hours but no identifiable neuropathological changes
noted on exam? - ANSWER-concussion
which injury results in bruising of the cord caused by fractures, dislocations, or direct
trauma? - ANSWER-cord contusion
Anticipated vital sign changes in neurogenic shock: BP - ANSWER-hypotension
(SBP usually 80-100 mm Hg)
Anticipated vital sign changes in neurogenic shock: pulse - ANSWER-bradycardia (HR
< 60)
Anticipated vital sign changes in neurogenic shock: temperature - ANSWER-
hypothermia
due to dilated blood vessels
Which findings are necessary for a patient to be considered reliable? - ANSWER-pt
must appear calm, cooperative, alert, free of impairments, and perform cognitive
functions appropriately
what are 4 examples of distracting injuries? - ANSWER-(1) long bone fracture
(2) rib fracture
(3) pelvis fracture
(4) clinically significant abdominal pain
under what circumstances may a spinal cord injury patient need to be sedated and
restrained? - ANSWER-restrain for patient's protection and spine stabilization
combative/thrashing patient (they are at risk for exacerbating injury)
why should a TNS anticipate impairment of the airway if a patient presents with a C2
fracture without neurological deficit? - ANSWER-retropharyngeal hematoma impinges
on the airway
what is the distal portion of the spinal cord that is composed of nerve roots that looks
like a horse's tail? - ANSWER-cauda equina
which artery provides blood supply to the anterior 2/3 of the spinal cord? - ANSWER-
one anterior spinal artery
which arteries provided blood supply to the posterior 1/3 of the cord? - ANSWER-two
posterior spinal arteries
what are the 5 main anatomical divisions of the vertebral column? - ANSWER-Cervical
Thoracic
Lumbar
Sacral
Coccyx
what areas do the sympathetic fibers exit from the spinal cord? - ANSWER-thoracic and
lumbar areas
List the # of Bone and # of Nerve Roots for each division of the vertebral column:
Cervical - ANSWER-# Bones - 7
# Nerve Roots - 8
List the # of Bone and # of Nerve Roots for each division of the vertebral column:
Thoracic - ANSWER-# Bones - 12
# Nerve Roots - 12
List the # of Bone and # of Nerve Roots for each division of the vertebral column:
Lumbar - ANSWER-# Bones - 5
# Nerve Roots - 5
List the # of Bone and # of Nerve Roots for each division of the vertebral column: Sacral
- ANSWER-# Bones - 5 fused vertebrae (1 plate)
# Nerve Roots - 5
List the # of Bone and # of Nerve Roots for each division of the vertebral column:
Coccyx - ANSWER-# Bones - 3-5 fused vertebrae
, # Nerve Roots - none or 1
TRUE OR FALSE: the vagus nerves exit from the cervical area of the cord prior to
innervating the heart. - ANSWER-FALSE
Which injury is described as a spontaneously reversible physiologic disruption of the
cord with transient deficits for 24-48 hours but no identifiable neuropathological changes
noted on exam? - ANSWER-concussion
which injury results in bruising of the cord caused by fractures, dislocations, or direct
trauma? - ANSWER-cord contusion
Anticipated vital sign changes in neurogenic shock: BP - ANSWER-hypotension
(SBP usually 80-100 mm Hg)
Anticipated vital sign changes in neurogenic shock: pulse - ANSWER-bradycardia (HR
< 60)
Anticipated vital sign changes in neurogenic shock: temperature - ANSWER-
hypothermia
due to dilated blood vessels
Which findings are necessary for a patient to be considered reliable? - ANSWER-pt
must appear calm, cooperative, alert, free of impairments, and perform cognitive
functions appropriately
what are 4 examples of distracting injuries? - ANSWER-(1) long bone fracture
(2) rib fracture
(3) pelvis fracture
(4) clinically significant abdominal pain
under what circumstances may a spinal cord injury patient need to be sedated and
restrained? - ANSWER-restrain for patient's protection and spine stabilization
combative/thrashing patient (they are at risk for exacerbating injury)
why should a TNS anticipate impairment of the airway if a patient presents with a C2
fracture without neurological deficit? - ANSWER-retropharyngeal hematoma impinges
on the airway
