Emergent Phase
This is the first priority in managing a suspected spinal cord injury at the scene.
What is airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs)?
This type of spinal cord injury results in complete loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury.
What is a complete spinal cord injury?
This scale assesses consciousness and is used alongside spinal injury evaluation.
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?
This type of bowel program is often needed to manage neurogenic bowel dysfunction.
What is a scheduled bowel regimen or digital stimulation?
This device is used to immobilize the cervical spine during emergency transport.
What is a cervical collar?
A patient experiences ischemia a few hours after a sports injury. This is an example of a _____ injury.
What is a secondary injury?
This imaging technique provides detailed views of soft tissue and is crucial for diagnosing spinal cord compression.
What is an MRI?
Which intervention should be implemented for a paralytic ileus?
What is a nasogastric tube
If respiratory compromise occurs, what action should the nurse take to keep the airway open without compromising the client's spine further?
What is jaw-thrust
This injury results in paralysis below the chest.
What is a T6 injury
This clinical sign may indicate a high cervical spinal cord injury due to diaphragmatic paralysis.
What is respiratory distress or shallow breathing?
This life-threatening condition involves a sudden, dangerous increase in the BP triggered by the bladder, bowel, or skin
What is autonomic dysreflexia
This maneuver is used to safely reposition a patient with suspected spinal injury without twisting the spine.
What is the log-roll technique?
This syndrome involves motor dysfunction in the upper extremities greater than lower extremities.
What is central cord syndrome?
This lab test may be ordered to rule out other causes of neurological deficits, such as infection or inflammation.
What is a lumbar puncture or CSF analysis?
This type of diet should be started within 72 hours due to severe catabolism.
What is a high-protein, high-calorie diet.
This is the priority action if a patient with spinal cord injury shows signs of autonomic dysreflexia.
What is elevate the head and identify/remove the trigger?
This scale is commonly used to classify the severity of spinal cord injuries.
What is the ASIA Impairment Scale
The client complains of a loss of sensation and reflexes below his elbows.
What is spinal shock
This corticosteroid is given within 8 hours of an acute SCI to reduce inflammation.
What is methylprednisolone?