ASSESSMENT
A patient with a spinal cord injury at T8 loses motor and sensory function below the level of injury. What type of injury is this?
Complete spinal cord injury.
What is the FIRST priority in managing a patient with acute SCI?
Immobilize the spine and maintain airway/breathing.
Why is Baclofen used in SCI patients?
To reduce muscle spasticity.
What is the most common trigger of autonomic dysreflexia?
Bladder distention.
Why should tight clothing be removed in autonomic dysreflexia?
It may be a triggering stimulus.
A patient regains some sensation below the injury level. What type of injury is this?
Incomplete spinal cord injury.
A patient develops autonomic dysreflexia. What is the FIRST nursing action?
Sit the patient upright (lower blood pressure).
Why are Docusate sodium and Senna used together?
To prevent constipation and promote bowel movements in neurogenic bowel.
Why is autonomic dysreflexia life-threatening?
Severe hypertension can lead to stroke or seizure.
Why should the nurse avoid elevating the legs in autonomic dysreflexia?
It increases blood pressure further.
A patient with a cervical spinal cord injury presents with hypotension and bradycardia. What complication is this?
Neurogenic shock.
After positioning a patient with autonomic dysreflexia upright, what is the next priority?
Identify and remove the triggering stimulus (commonly bladder distention).
What is the purpose of Oxybutynin in SCI patients?
To reduce bladder spasms and manage neurogenic bladder.
What causes neurogenic shock in SCI?
Loss of sympathetic nervous system control leading to vasodilation.
Why is bowel program important in SCI patients?
Prevents constipation and reduces risk of autonomic dysreflexia.
A patient with SCI develops sudden severe hypertension, headache, and flushing above the injury. What condition is this?
Autonomic dysreflexia.
Why must bladder distention be addressed immediately in SCI patients?
It is the most common trigger of autonomic dysreflexia.
Why is Tamsulosin prescribed in SCI patients?
To relax smooth muscle in the bladder neck and improve urine flow.
Why are SCI patients at high risk for pressure injuries?
Loss of sensation and immobility.
A patient with SCI suddenly becomes hypertensive during catheterization. What should the nurse suspect?
Autonomic dysreflexia triggered by bladder stimulation.
A patient with SCI has flaccid paralysis and loss of reflexes immediately after injury. What phase is this?
Spinal shock.
A patient with neurogenic shock is hypotensive. What is the priority intervention?
Administer fluids and vasopressors to maintain perfusion.
A patient with SCI is prescribed Sildenafil. What is the purpose?
To treat erectile dysfunction.
Why are SCI patients at risk for urinary tract infections?
Urinary retention and catheter use.
A patient with SCI asks why they must perform regular repositioning. What is the best response?
To prevent pressure injuries due to loss of sensation and immobility.