Podcast
Questions and Answers
What type of paralysis results from a spinal cord injury at the cervical level?
What type of paralysis results from a spinal cord injury at the cervical level?
Which injury mechanism causes a backward snap of the spine?
Which injury mechanism causes a backward snap of the spine?
At what vertebral level does an injury significantly risk impaired spontaneous ventilation?
At what vertebral level does an injury significantly risk impaired spontaneous ventilation?
What is the classification of spinal cord injuries below T1 typically called?
What is the classification of spinal cord injuries below T1 typically called?
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Which type of spinal cord injury results in the loss of all voluntary movement and sensation below the injury level?
Which type of spinal cord injury results in the loss of all voluntary movement and sensation below the injury level?
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Which of the following is NOT considered a risk factor for spinal column injuries?
Which of the following is NOT considered a risk factor for spinal column injuries?
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What symptom indicates a possible spinal cord injury affecting dermatomes?
What symptom indicates a possible spinal cord injury affecting dermatomes?
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Which of the following physical assessment findings is NOT associated with spinal shock?
Which of the following physical assessment findings is NOT associated with spinal shock?
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What is the consequence of spinal shock following a spinal cord injury?
What is the consequence of spinal shock following a spinal cord injury?
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Which condition is least likely to cause spinal column injury?
Which condition is least likely to cause spinal column injury?
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Which laboratory test is primarily used to monitor for undiagnosed internal bleeding?
Which laboratory test is primarily used to monitor for undiagnosed internal bleeding?
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What is the first priority when monitoring a client with potential respiratory compromise due to spinal injury?
What is the first priority when monitoring a client with potential respiratory compromise due to spinal injury?
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Which imaging technique is NOT commonly used to assess the location of blood and bone fragments after an injury?
Which imaging technique is NOT commonly used to assess the location of blood and bone fragments after an injury?
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How can a client be assisted in coughing if they have impaired muscle control due to a spinal injury?
How can a client be assisted in coughing if they have impaired muscle control due to a spinal injury?
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Which of the following is a potential complication of a lesion at or above the phrenic nerve?
Which of the following is a potential complication of a lesion at or above the phrenic nerve?
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What is a primary physiological effect of neurogenic shock following spinal cord injury?
What is a primary physiological effect of neurogenic shock following spinal cord injury?
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Which of the following symptoms indicates a possible development of venous thromboembolism after neurogenic shock?
Which of the following symptoms indicates a possible development of venous thromboembolism after neurogenic shock?
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What takes precedence in monitoring a client who has a spinal cord injury and is suspected of being in neurogenic shock?
What takes precedence in monitoring a client who has a spinal cord injury and is suspected of being in neurogenic shock?
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What type of muscle tone is expected in clients with upper motor neuron injuries after neurogenic shock?
What type of muscle tone is expected in clients with upper motor neuron injuries after neurogenic shock?
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Which intervention is primarily aimed at preventing urinary complications in a spinal cord injury patient who is NPO?
Which intervention is primarily aimed at preventing urinary complications in a spinal cord injury patient who is NPO?
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What should be carefully monitored to prevent pressure injuries in clients experiencing muscle spasticity?
What should be carefully monitored to prevent pressure injuries in clients experiencing muscle spasticity?
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What condition poses a significant risk for clients experiencing neurogenic shock after spinal trauma?
What condition poses a significant risk for clients experiencing neurogenic shock after spinal trauma?
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Which of the following is a common manifestation of neurogenic shock that requires monitoring?
Which of the following is a common manifestation of neurogenic shock that requires monitoring?
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What management option is typically used for male clients with spastic neurogenic bladder?
What management option is typically used for male clients with spastic neurogenic bladder?
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Which type of wheelchair is recommended for clients with high levels of spinal cord injury during transfer to manage dizziness?
Which type of wheelchair is recommended for clients with high levels of spinal cord injury during transfer to manage dizziness?
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How should a client's position be adjusted if they report dizziness after being transferred to a wheelchair?
How should a client's position be adjusted if they report dizziness after being transferred to a wheelchair?
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What technique should be used when transferring a client with a spinal cord injury to avoid further injury?
What technique should be used when transferring a client with a spinal cord injury to avoid further injury?
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Which bladder management method is commonly recommended for females with flaccid neurogenic bladder?
Which bladder management method is commonly recommended for females with flaccid neurogenic bladder?
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What type of bladder is expected in clients with lower motor neuron injuries?
What type of bladder is expected in clients with lower motor neuron injuries?
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What is a common method to stimulate a bowel movement in spinal cord injury patients?
What is a common method to stimulate a bowel movement in spinal cord injury patients?
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Which condition is essential to monitor for preventing skin breakdown in clients with limited sensation?
Which condition is essential to monitor for preventing skin breakdown in clients with limited sensation?
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Study Notes
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs)
- SCIs involve loss of motor function, sensory function, reflexes, and elimination control.
- Cervical injuries cause quadriplegia (paralysis/paresis of all four limbs and trunk).
- Injuries below T1 cause paraplegia (paralysis/paresis of lower limbs).
- Upper thoracic lesions can lead to truncal instability.
- Over 17,000 new SCI cases annually in the US, with average age of injury at 43.
- Injury location dictates consequences.
- C4 or higher injuries risk impaired breathing due to phrenic nerve involvement.
SCI Types and Causes
- Not all vertebral fractures cause SCIs; direct spinal cord damage (from trauma or bone fragments) is required.
- SCIs range from contusions (incomplete) to complete transections (entire cord damage).
- Complete lesions result in complete loss of movement and sensation below the injury.
- Incomplete lesions result in varying degrees of loss below the injury.
- SCIs are categorized by injury location (thoracic, lumbar, cervical, sacral).
- Common causes: trauma (car accidents, diving accidents, gunshot wounds).
- Hyperflexion injuries (e.g., head-on collision) result from sharp forward spine flexion.
- Hyperextension injuries (e.g., rear-end collision) result from a backward spine snap.
Risk Factors for SCI
- High-risk activities (extreme sports).
- Motor vehicle accidents.
- Impact sports (football, diving).
- Acts of violence (gunshot/knife wounds).
- Substance use.
- Disease (metastatic cancer, spinal arthritis).
- Falls, especially in older adults.
Assessment and Signs of SCI
- Symptoms include lack of sensation below injury level (dermatomes).
- Neck or back pain.
- Physical assessment: loss of touch (cotton ball), inability to distinguish sharp/dull or hot/cold, absent deep tendon reflexes, muscle flaccidity, and severe hypotension (especially when upright).
- Shallow breathing.
- Spinal shock (temporary loss of reflex/autonomic function below injury) lasting days-weeks.
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Description
This quiz explores the significant aspects of spinal cord injuries (SCIs), including types, causes, and their consequences on motor and sensory functions. Understand the differences between quadriplegia and paraplegia, as well as the classifications of injuries. Test your knowledge on the statistics and medical implications of SCIs.
