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?

<p>Bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular respiratory patterns (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

What are common manifestations of skull fractures?

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

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

<p>Complete disconnection above the injury (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Hypotension and warm extremities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Coughing and airway management (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

What does the Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 indicate?

<p>Total eye, verbal, and motor response loss (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Conducting a lumbar puncture (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition can result from inadequate spinal cord injury management?

<p>Skin breakdown and pressure ulcers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

<p>Gauze saturation with pale yellow fluid (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Spinal Cord Transection

A complete severing of the spinal cord, often resulting from trauma. This completely disrupts nerve signals below the injury.

Neurogenic Shock

A life-threatening condition following spinal cord injury, characterized by decreased blood pressure and inadequate blood flow to organs due to a loss of autonomic function.

Cushing's Triad

A set of clinical signs (increased blood pressure, decreased heart rate, irregular respirations) that may indicate increased intracranial pressure in patients with TBI.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

A scoring system used to assess the level of consciousness in patients with traumatic brain injury and other neurological conditions.

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Autonomic Dysreflexia

A potentially life-threatening hypertensive crisis caused by noxious stimuli below the level of spinal cord injury. It is an emergency!

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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 after traumatic injury, causing hypotension and decreased cardiac output due to massive vasodilation.

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Cushing's Triad

Late sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) characterized by widening pulse pressure, bradycardia, and irregular respirations.

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Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

Assessment tool evaluating consciousness, motor response, and verbal response in a patient.

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Transection

Complete disconnection of the spinal cord, causing loss of communication below the injury site.

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Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Injury to the spinal cord, potentially causing paralysis or other neurological deficits.

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Tetraplegia

Paralysis affecting all four extremities (arms and legs).

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Paraplegia

Paralysis affecting the lower extremities (legs).

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PERRLA

Pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation — a crucial neurological assessment.

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

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.

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