Spinal Cord and TBI Clinical Manifestations
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary concern when monitoring patients with a spinal cord injury?

  • Bowel function
  • Neurological status
  • Respiratory function (correct)
  • Skin integrity

Which of the following best describes neurogenic shock?

  • A loss of autonomic nervous system function (correct)
  • Severe pain and muscle spasms
  • Increased heart rate and temperature
  • A sudden increase in blood pressure

How does autonomic dysreflexia typically present in patients?

  • Profuse sweating and bradycardia
  • Anxiety and tachycardia
  • Severe headache and hypertension (correct)
  • Dizziness and visual disturbances

Which mechanism can lead to head injuries in adults?

<p>Falls from height (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What Glasgow Coma Scale score indicates a need for mechanical ventilation?

<p>8 or less (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a manifestation of skull fractures?

<p>Rhinorrhea (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In spinal cord injuries, tetraplegia affects which extremities?

<p>All four extremities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential complication of spinal cord injury related to bowel function?

<p>Urinary retention (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Neurogenic shock typically presents with which of the following symptoms?

<p>Bradycardia (A), Warm extremities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which positioning issue may cause complications for spinal cord injury patients?

<p>Tight, close positioning (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A blown pupil is indicative of which type of neurological condition?

<p>Acute intracranial pressure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should take priority when caring for a patient with a spinal cord injury?

<p>Airway, breathing, circulation (ABCs) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What test is used to determine if fluid draining from the nose is cerebrospinal fluid?

<p>Halo test (A), Glucose test (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is a common cause of spinal cord injuries in adults?

<p>Motor vehicle accidents (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Glasgow Coma Scale scores help assess a patient's level of consciousness. Which score indicates a severe impairment?

<p>3 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Neurogenic Shock

A life-threatening condition resulting from spinal cord injury, characterized by widespread vasodilation and decreased blood pressure.

Spinal Cord Transection

Complete severing of the spinal cord, disrupting communication between the brain and the body below the injury.

Autonomic Dysreflexia

A potentially life-threatening condition marked by a sudden increase in blood pressure in individuals with SCI, often triggered by noxious stimuli below the injury.

Glasgow Coma Scale

A tool used to assess the level of consciousness in a patient with a brain injury, based on eye opening, verbal response, and motor response.

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Cushing's Triad

A set of vital sign changes (increased blood pressure, decreased heart rate, abnormal respiratory patterns) that can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure.

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Rhinorrhea

Drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the nose.

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Otoorrhea

Drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the ear.

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Neurogenic Shock

Life-threatening condition following traumatic injury, characterized by hypotension and decreased cardiac output due to massive vasodilation.

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Transection

Complete disconnection of the spinal cord, causing loss of communication between the brain and body below the injury.

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Cushing's Triad

A late sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) consisting of widened pulse pressure, bradycardia, and irregular respirations.

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Glasgow Coma Scale

System for evaluating the level of consciousness in patients with head injuries, using motor, verbal, and eye responses.

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Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Damage to the spinal cord, impacting motor, sensory, and autonomic functions.

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Tetraplegia

Loss of muscle function in all four limbs, complete paralysis.

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Paraplegia

Loss of muscle function in the lower limbs, partial movement possible in some cases.

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TBI

Trauma to the brain, often resulting in a variety of effects.

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Study Notes

Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury

  • Clinical Manifestations of Spinal Cord Injury: Clinical manifestations vary based on the level of injury (cervical, thoracic, lumbar).
  • Transection: Complete disconnection of the spinal cord.
  • Neurogenic Shock: A life-threatening condition following spinal cord injury. Symptoms include hypotension, bradycardia, and warm extremities. Nursing management focuses on fluid replacement, oxygen, and vasopressors.
  • Spinal Cord Injury Complications: Complications include bowel and bladder dysfunction, respiratory problems, and skin breakdown. Bowel, bladder, respiratory and skin integrity are priorities in monitoring.

Autonomic Dysreflexia

  • Definition: A potentially life-threatening condition characterized by paroxysmal hypertension, bradycardia, and diaphoresis.
  • Cause: Typically triggered by a stimulus below the spinal cord injury.
  • Management: Rapid recognition is critical to avoid severe complications, such as seizures or stroke. Management involves addressing the stimulus causing the condition (e.g., full bladder, fecal impaction).

Head Injuries in Adults

  • Common Causes: Motor vehicle accidents, falls, and direct blows to the head.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

  • Clinical Manifestations: Include changes in vital signs (Cushing's triad), pupillary response, and altered mental status.
  • Glasgow Coma Scale: A tool for assessing the severity of a TBI by evaluating eye opening, verbal response, and motor responses. Different scores warrant different levels of intervention. A score of 8 or less often requires mechanical ventilation. A score of 3 represents profound impairment or death.
  • Nursing Assessment for TBI: Components include PERRLA, hand squeeze, visual changes, changes in level of consciousness, and vital signs.

Skull Fractures

  • Manifestations: Rhinorrhea (CSF drainage from the nose), otorrhea (CSF drainage from the ear), and neurological findings.
  • Important Considerations: CSF drainage requires immediate medical attention. Do not perform a lumbar puncture in spinal cord injury patients.

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Quiz 4 Study Guide: Spinal Cord Injury & Traumatic Brain Injury PDF

Description

This quiz covers important clinical manifestations of spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. It explores topics such as neurogenic shock, autonomic dysreflexia, and complications related to spinal cord injuries. Assess your knowledge on the nursing management of these critical conditions.

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