Question 1

Your patient exhibits more severe neurological loss in the upper extremities as compared to the lower extremities and has minimal sensory deficit throughout.This person is classified as having which of the following cord syndromes?

Accepted Answer

This pattern of neurological loss is characteristic of central cord syndrome, which is typically caused by compression or injury to the central part of the spinal cord. It is often associated with hyperextension injuries in the cervical spine region. While other cord syndromes may also involve upper extremity weakness and sensory deficits, the pattern of more severe loss in the upper extremities and minimal sensory deficit suggests central cord syndrome specifically.

Question 2

Which of the following techniques could assist a patient in mastering rolling from supine to prone?

Accepted Answer

All the mentioned techniques can assist a patient in mastering the movement from a supine to a prone position by facilitating momentum and providing a mechanical advantage. Flexion of the head and neck can initiate the roll, wrist cuff weights can increase momentum, and crossing the ankles can help direct the movement.

Question 3

Initially when working on sitting balance, it is easier for the patient with a spinal cord injury to sit independently in which position?

Accepted Answer

Long sitting provides a larger base of support and is more stable for patients with spinal cord injuries, making it easier for them to maintain balance independently.

Question 4

You are working with your patient with a spinal cord injury on a tilt table and the patient complains of onset of headache accompanied by flushing and "goose bumps." Your response would be to:

Accepted Answer

The patient is experiencing symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia, a potentially life-threatening condition in patients with spinal cord injuries at or above the level of T6. The first step is to check for the cause, which could be a kink in the catheter or the need for the patient to be upright. The patient should be positioned upright if possible or the cause of the dysreflexia should be identified and treated. Continuing treatment without addressing the symptoms could exacerbate the situation. Lying the patient flat or encouraging arm movement would not address the cause of the autonomic dysreflexia.

Question 5

Selective strengthening for those patients with a complete C6 injury should include all of the following areas EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

A complete C6 injury results in paralysis below the C6 level, meaning the triceps (innervated by C7) would not be functional and therefore cannot be selectively strengthened.

Question 6

Desirable flexibility for the hamstring muscles for functional activities is:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Desirable flexibility for the hamstring muscles for...

Quiz 20: Pta: Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury