Spinal cord injury is an event that changes a person’s life forever. The classifications of spinal cord injuries are concussion, compression, contusion, laceration, and transection. Injury can be complete or incomplete (Nayduch., 2010). The type and location of the spinal cord injury will determine the care and management of the patient and subsequent complications that arise from the injury. The research will focus on evidenced-based medical, surgical, and nursing care from the onset of injury to rehabilitation.
Description of the Condition The spinal cord controls mobility, regulates organ function and transmits motor and sensory information to and from the brain. Neurons in the spine make up …show more content…
Given the United States current population of 314 million there are approximately 17,000 new spinal cord injury cases each year.
There are roughly 282,00 Americans that are living with spinal cord injury (NSCISC, 2015). The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reported trends of spinal cord injury as 39.08% from vehicular accidents, 29.54% from falls, 14.41% acts of violence, 8.39% sports and recreation, 8.75% Other causes. The median age of injury has risen from 29 years old during the 1970s to 42 in 2015 (NSCISC,2015) When a spinal cord injury is suspected the person should not be moved, call for emergency services and let them immobilize the patient. The patient will stay immobilized and NPO until they have gotten computed tomography scan (CT scan), where the CT scan will show the location and extent of the injury. The patient remains NPO if surgery is indicative. Magnetic resonance imaging scans (MRI), and x rays. X rays may be enhanced with an injected contrast dye also may be used to diagnose the injury (Robinson& …show more content…
The post operation nursing care will include prevention of secondary injury as well as wound care (Nayduch, 2010). A prophylactic low molecular weight heparin dose will be given to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), along with sequential compression devices, and compression stockings. DVT prevention immediately after the injury are indispensable in patient management (Matsumoto., et al 2015). Low molecular weight heparin side effects include bleeding, thrombocytopenia, pain at injection site, report any signs of unusual bleeding or bruising to the provider. Keep in mind do not take concurrently with antiplatelet agents, use a soft toothbrush, use an electric razor, monitor CBC with platelets, and the antidote is protamine sulfate (Leek,