SCI Overview and Mechanisms
What is the primary cause of spinal cord injury disruption?
Interruption of motor, sensory, and autonomic pathways
What defines a primary spinal cord injury?
Immediate mechanical damage at impact
Which incomplete SCI syndrome affects arms more than legs?
Central cord syndrome
What differentiates spinal shock from neurogenic shock?
Spinal shock causes flaccid paralysis
Why must all trauma patients be treated as having SCI until ruled out?
Movement can worsen injury
Why are cervical injuries most common in SCI?
Cervical vertebrae are highly mobile
What distinguishes secondary spinal cord injury?
Progressive damage over hours to days
Which syndrome presents with ipsilateral motor loss and contralateral pain loss?
Brown‑Séquard syndrome
Which signs indicate neurogenic shock?
Hypotension, bradycardia, warm skin
Why is log‑rolling required for movement?
Maintains spinal alignment
Why is early intervention critical after SCI?
It limits secondary spinal cord injury
Which nursing intervention best prevents secondary injury?
Maintaining MAP between 85–90 mmHg
Which SCI level creates the highest respiratory risk?
C1-C3
Which complication places SCI patients at the highest risk for PE?
Venous thromboembolism
Which nursing action helps prevent autonomic dysreflexia?
Maintaining regular bowel and bladder programs
Which population has the highest incidence of SCI?
Young adult males
How does cord swelling worsen neurologic outcomes?
Extends compression above and below injury level
Which injury level allows independent ADLs with a manual wheelchair?
C7-C8
Why are SCI patients at risk for temperature dysregulation?
Loss of autonomic control
Why is psychosocial support essential in long‑term SCI?
High risk of depression and PTSD
Why is SCI considered a preventable condition?
Risk factors are modifiable
Why must hypoxia be aggressively prevented in SCI?
Neuronal tissue is highly oxygen dependent
Why does injury above T6 increase cardiac instability risk?
Loss of sympathetic nervous system tone
What is the most serious trigger of autonomic dysreflexia?
Bladder distention
Which principle guides all SCI nursing care?
Prevent secondary injury