Spinal Injury
What spinal injury level causes total tetraplegia and ventilator dependence?
C1–C4
What is the most common cause of autonomic dysreflexia?
Bladder distention or bowel impaction
How often should you monitor a patient after having an ischemic stroke?
Q1 hr Neuro checks
Name two of most common causes of a CVA or stroke.
HTN, Smoking, Contraceptive, DM, Obesity, Familial history.
What is the first priority assessment in a suspected spinal cord injury?
Airway and cervical spine stabilization
A patient can move their arms but has poor trunk control. Where is their likely level of injury?
T1–T6
What GI complication is associated with spinal cord injuries below T5?
Paralytic ileus
Mechanical retrieval of the occlusion in a cerebral artery that is done within 24 hours of symptom onset
Thrombectomy
What does the accronym F.A.S.T. stand for
What is the most important positioning principle for turning a patient with SCI?
Log rolling to maintain alignment
What spinal level is associated with bowel/bladder dysfunction but the ability to walk with assistive devices?
L1–L2 or L3–L4
What skin-related complication is common due to immobility and lack of sensation?
Pressure ulcers
What is the primary purpose of intermittent catheterization in SCI?
Prevent bladder overdistention and reduce UTI risk
What does the term paraplegia mean?
The patient is unable to move his lower body and legs
What vital signs should be closely monitored in neurogenic shock?
Heart rate and blood pressure
At what injury level is diaphragmatic breathing preserved but intercostal muscle use reduced?
C4-C6
What shock causes flaccid paralysis, areflexia, and loss of sensation immediately after injury?
Spinal shock
What is the time you have to administer alteplase (tPA) if a patient is suspected of having a hemorrhagic stroke
3.5-4 hrs from LKW (last known well)
Can be sudden or gradual progression of neurological deficits over several hours with blood pressure around 185/110 mm Hg. (Type of stroke)
Ischemic stroke
Name three interventions that will be part of your nursing plan for a stroke patient
A patient with this injury level can move the neck and shrug shoulders but cannot breathe without assistance.
C2–C3
Name two signs of autonomic dysreflexia besides hypertension.
Pounding headache, bradycardia, flushing, sweating
Name three non-pharmacological nursing interventions to prevent respiratory complications in SCI.
Incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, assisted coughing, positioning
Describe Broca's aphasia compared to Wernicke's aphasia
Broca's aphasia is characterized by impaired speech production with preserved comprehension, while Wernicke's aphasia characterized by fluent but nonsensical speech and impaired comprehension.
Assessing a client who had a stroke for complications secondary to inadequate swallowing?
Auscultate lung sounds for signs of PNA or respiratory decline
This injury above a certain level is most likely to cause neurogenic shock.
T6
How do you treat a sudden episode of autonomic dysreflexia? Name two steps.
Elevate HOB, remove cause like bladder distention, check BP, notify provider
Cushing Triad is indicative of what stroke complication
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
This type of stroke commonly causes weakness or paralysis on the right side of the body and may also affect speech and language.
What is a left-sided stroke
Why do you check a blood sugar on a patient who is suspected of experiencing a stroke during a "Stroke Alert"?
Hypoglycemia can mimic stroke symptoms and requires prompt treatment to prevent brain damage.