Deck 7: Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Question 1

Your patient experienced a spinal cord injury as a result of an automobile accident. In preparation for working with him on his rehabilitation plan, you review his medical report and find that his injury occurred at T1 or lower. This information is useful in your preparation for planning with him because from this information you know that he, as result of the injury is _______________.

A) diplegic
B) quadriplegic
C) hemiplegic
D) paraplegia

Answer 1

D

Question 2

An injured individual at the level of spinal cord injury of T1 or lower could be expected to have only limited impairment of ____________.

A) all four extremities
B) only the lower extremities
C) the upper extremities
D) only the arm and leg of one side of the body

Answer 2

C

Question 3

The extent of paralysis and sensory loss in spinal cord injury is determined by the ____________.

A) level of injury
B) individual's educational level at time of injury
C) individual's motivation to regain function
D) age at time of injury

Answer 3

A

Question 4

____________________ is caused by the loss of coordinated response by the autonomic nervous system, causing an exaggerated response to stimuli below the level of the injury, such as an overextended bladder, pressure sores, or constipation.

A) Contractures
B) Spasticity
C) Autonomic dysreflexia
D) Paresthesia

Question 5

In what region of the body are nerves almost always affected to some degree by spinal cord injury?

A) Genital
B) Extremities
C) Brain
D) Truck

Question 6

In the acute stage after a spinal cord injury, individuals are susceptible to thrombophlebitis. Which of the following conditions does this term refer to?

A) Blood clot that travels to the lungs
B) Softening and weakening of bones
C) Exaggerated involuntary movement of paralyzed muscles
D) Formation of blood clots in the legs

Question 7

Why can injuries at C1 or C2 be fatal?

A) Brain activity is stopped
B) Functioning of all muscles, including muscles of respiration, is lost
C) All nerve impulses cease functioning
D) Blood clots stop the heart

Question 8

What is one of the most common causes of altered function of the spinal cord?

A) Indirect injury from falls
B) Direct injury from motor vehicle accidents
C) Brain tumors
D) Indirect injuries from sports injuries

Question 9

What does the term paraparesis refer to?

A) Partially severed spinal cord
B) Completely severed spinal cord
C) Loss of voluntary control of bladder and bowel function
D) Retrograde ejaculation

Question 10

What causes decubitus ulcers?

A) When the patient is under too much stress
B) When the stomach makes too much acid
C) When there is too much blood supply to a body part
D) When continuous pressure is exerted to a body part over time

Question 11

List some of the common causes of spinal cord injury.

Question 12

Manifestations of spinal cord injury reflect the level of injury and function of the neurons involved. What are some of the manifestations of spinal cord injury?

Question 13

A wide range of functional abilities can be affected in spinal cord injury. Discuss some of the functional abilities that can be affected.

Question 14

Discuss some of the functional implications of traumatic spinal cord injury.

Question 15

In the acute stage after a spinal cord injury, describe cardiovascular complications individuals may be susceptible to.

Question 16

Spasticity refers to exaggerated involuntary movement of paralyzed muscles that result in exaggerated muscle jerks, hyperexcitability of reflexes, muscle spasms. Discuss the affects spasticity has persons with a spinal cord injury.

Question 17

Why are pressure sores (decubitus ulcers) one of the most common complications associated with spinal cord injury?

Question 18

Discuss initial management of traumatic spinal cord injuries.

Question 19

Individuals with traumatic spinal cord injuries are usually transferred to a rehabilitation unit. Describe the care they will receive in rehabilitation.

Question 20

Discuss the functional implications at specific areas of traumatic spinal cord injury.