Question

B.N 21 year-old female recovering from recent automobile accident is being seen for a rehabilitation evaluation. She was involved in MVA 6 months ago. Records indicate a Glasgow Coma Scale of 10 at the scene of the accident. A CT and X-ray was done, it was determined that she had a C-spine fractures. She was also placed in a cervical halo fixation for 5 months.

1. What is the leading cause of spinal cord injuries?

3. Explain the result of the Glasgow Coma Scale

4. Identify complications associated with Cervical Spinal Injuries

5. Prepare education plan for the patient and family regarding management of a halo device

6. Identify nursing assessment tools that the nurse can use for B.N.

Answer 1

1).

Motor vehicle accidents are one the primary causes of head injuries, spinal cord injuries and other severe trauma cases. Most of them are preventable.

3).

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is the common neurologic assessment tool in the head injury patients, especially those in the intensive care units. It is used to test the verbal, motor, and eye response. The patients with a GCS score of 12 to 15 indicate that there is no requirement for ICU (intensive care unit) admission. The GCS score ranging from 9 to 12 indicate moderate coma.

The patient's GCS score is 10, which indicates moderate coma.

4). Complications associated with cervical spinal injuries:

• Partial or complete loss of sensory function
• Neurogenic pain
• Paralysis in upper and lower limbs
• Impaired or reduced ability to speak