Spinal Cord Injury and Brain Injury Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'transection' refer to in the context of spinal cord injury?

Spinal cord bruising without structural damage

Compression of the spinal cord without injury

Partial damage to the spinal cord

Complete severing of the spinal cord (correct)

Which of the following is a characteristic of neurogenic shock in spinal cord injury patients?

Bradycardia and hypotension (correct)

Increased heart rate and hypertension

Profound fever and tachycardia

Hyperthermia and increased respiratory rate

In cases of autonomic dysreflexia, which symptom is most commonly observed?

Nausea and luminous vision

Severe headache and sweating above injury level (correct)

Hypotension and increased heart rate

Increased body temperature and tachypnea

Which of the following best describes Cushing’s Triad in the context of traumatic brain injury?

Bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular respiratory patterns Signup and view all the answers

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

8 or less Signup and view all the answers

What are common manifestations of skull fractures?

Rhinorrhea and Otoorrhea Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of a transection injury in the spinal cord?

Complete disconnection above the injury Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of neurogenic shock following a traumatic spinal cord injury?

Hypotension and warm extremities Signup and view all the answers

In spinal cord injury management, what is prioritized over other aspects?

Coughing and airway management Signup and view all the answers

Which vital sign abnormality is a component of Cushing's triad?

Systolic hypertension Signup and view all the answers

What does the Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 indicate?

Total eye, verbal, and motor response loss Signup and view all the answers

What should not be performed in cases of suspected spinal cord injury?

Conducting a lumbar puncture Signup and view all the answers

Which condition can result from inadequate spinal cord injury management?

Skin breakdown and pressure ulcers Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of spinal cord injuries in adults?

Motor vehicle accidents Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a possible cerebrospinal fluid leak related to a skull fracture?

Gauze saturation with pale yellow fluid Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury

Clinical Manifestations: Clinical presentations of spinal cord injury vary depending on the injured level (cervical, thoracic, lumbar).
Transection: Complete disconnection of the spinal cord.
Neurogenic Shock: A life-threatening condition following spinal cord injury. Characterized by hypotension, bradycardia, and warm, dry skin. Nursing management includes fluid resuscitation and vasoconstrictors.
Spinal Cord Injury Complications: Complications can impact skin, bowel, bladder, and respiratory function. Bowel and bladder dysfunction, skin breakdown (pressure ulcers), and respiratory issues are priorities in monitoring.
Autonomic Dysreflexia: A dangerous condition in patients with spinal cord injury. Symptoms: high blood pressure, headache, flushing, and sweating. It's crucial to immediately manage these symptoms.
Head Injuries in Adults: Common causes include motor vehicle accidents, falls, and direct trauma to the head.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Clinical Manifestations: Changes in vital signs (Cushing's triad), pupil response, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assessment.
Cushing's Triad: Includes hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respiratory patterns, a symptom of increased intracranial pressure.
Pupil Response: Important sign of brain function and to observe for any changes in size and responsiveness.
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS): A scoring system used to assess the level of consciousness in patients with TBI. Scoring determines if mechanical ventilation is required and if coma or brain death is present.
Nurse Assessment: Neuro assessment components for TBI patients include: PERRLA, grip strength (hand squeeze), visual changes, changes in level of consciousness (LOC), and monitoring vital signs.
Skull Fracture Manifestations: These may include Rhinorrhea (CSF drainage from the nose) and otorrhea (CSF drainage from the ears). Important to note for diagnosis and avoid damaging the brain further with procedures.

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Description

This quiz explores clinical manifestations, complications, and management of spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Participants will assess knowledge of neurogenic shock, autonomic dysreflexia, and head injuries, which are crucial for nursing practice. Test your understanding of these critical topics in patient care.