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 _______________.

Accepted Answer

The location of the injury at T1 or lower indicates that the patient is paraplegic, meaning they have lost voluntary function or sensation from the waist down. Diplegia refers to paralysis of two limbs on the same side of the body, hemiplegia refers to paralysis of one side of the body, and quadriplegia refers to paralysis of all four limbs.

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 ____________.

Accepted Answer

T1 or lower spinal cord injury would typically result in limited impairment of the upper extremities, while the lower extremities would be more severely affected. Thus, choices A and B can be ruled out. Option D is also incorrect as the arm and leg on the same side of the body would be affected, not just one side. Therefore, the best answer is C - the upper extremities.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The level of injury determines the extent of paralysis and sensory loss in spinal cord injury. The higher the level of injury, the more extensive the paralysis and sensory loss will be. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. The individual's educational level, motivation, and age may affect the rehabilitation process, but they do not determine the extent of paralysis and sensory loss.

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.

Accepted Answer

Autonomic dysreflexia is a condition that can occur in individuals with spinal cord injuries, where there is an exaggerated response to stimuli below the level of the injury due to loss of coordinated response by the autonomic nervous system. This can lead to symptoms such as high blood pressure, headache, sweating, and flushing. Contractures (choice A) and spasticity (choice B) are related to changes in muscle tone and do not involve the autonomic nervous system. Paresthesia (choice D) refers to abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, or burning, but is not related to autonomic dysfunction.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The genital region is almost always affected to some degree by spinal cord injury because the nerves that control the genital organs are located in the lower part of the spinal cord.

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?

Accepted Answer

Thrombophlebitis refers to the formation of blood clots in the legs, typically in the deep veins. This condition can be dangerous because the clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. People with spinal cord injuries are at higher risk for thrombophlebitis because of reduced mobility and blood flow.

Question 7

Why can injuries at C1 or C2 be fatal?

Accepted Answer

Injuries at C1 or C2 can damage the spinal cord and cause paralysis of the muscles responsible for breathing, leading to respiratory failure and potential death.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Direct injury from motor vehicle accidents is one of the most common causes of altered function of the spinal cord.

Question 9

What does the term paraparesis refer to?

Accepted Answer

Paraparesis refers to partial paralysis or weakness affecting the lower limbs and can be caused by a variety of conditions including spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy.

Question 10

What causes decubitus ulcers?

Accepted Answer

Decubitus ulcers, also known as pressure ulcers or bed sores, are caused by prolonged pressure on a body part, typically over bony prominences such as the sacrum, hips, and heels. The pressure restricts blood flow to the area, leading to tissue damage and breakdown. Other factors such as friction and shear forces can exacerbate the formation and progression of decubitus ulcers.

Question 11

List some of the common causes of spinal cord injury.

Accepted Answer

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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?

Accepted Answer

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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.

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

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

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Question 15

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

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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.

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

Discuss initial management of traumatic spinal cord injuries.

Accepted Answer

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Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 7: Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury