Changes in blood pressure or heart rate.Sexual dysfunction or changes in sexual function.Difficulty maintaining balance or coordination.Numbness or tingling in the extremities.Pain or intense pressure in the neck, back, or head.Respiratory difficulties, including shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.Changes in bladder or bowel control, such as urinary or fecal incontinence.Difficulty or inability to move or control limbs.Loss of motor function or weakness in the limbs.Loss of sensation or altered sensation below the level of injury.Statements about changes in sexual function or fertility concerns.Expressions of emotional distress, such as feelings of frustration, sadness, or anxiety.Descriptions of difficulty with bladder or bowel control.Complaints of loss of sensation or motor function in limbs.Reports of pain, numbness, or tingling sensation.Coordinate interdisciplinary care and facilitate a smooth transition to home or a supportive care setting.Īssess for the following subjective and objective data:.Educate the patient and their caregivers about self-care, adaptive techniques, and prevention of secondary complications.
Address psychosocial needs and promote emotional well-being.Facilitate rehabilitation and mobility interventions to maximize independence.Provide pain management and optimize comfort.Prevent complications such as pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections, and respiratory infections.Ensure airway, breathing, and circulation stability.The following are the nursing priorities for patients with spinal cord injuries: Nursing care planning and goals for patients with spinal cord injuries include: maximizing respiratory function, preventing injury to the spinal cord, promoting mobility and/or independence, preventing or minimizing complications, supporting the psychological adjustment of patient and/or SO, providing information about the injury, prognosis, and treatment, and facilitating the patient’s transition to home or a supportive care setting. L-1 to L-2 or below Mixed motor-sensory loss bowel and bladder dysfunction.T-2 to L-1: Paraplegia with intact arm function and varying function of intercostal and abdominal muscles.C-7 to T-1: Tetraplegia with limited use of thumb/fingers, increasing independence.C-6 to C-7: Tetraplegia with some arm/hand movement allowing some independence in ADLs.C-4 to C-5: Tetraplegia with impairment, reduced pulmonary capacity, complete dependency for ADLs.C-1 to C-3: Tetraplegia with total loss of muscular/respiratory function.Physical findings vary, depending on the level of injury, degree of spinal shock, and phase and degree of recovery, but in general, are classified as follows: Spinal cord lesions are classified as a complete (total loss of sensation and voluntary motor function) or incomplete (mixed loss of sensation and voluntary motor function). The mechanism of injury influences the type of SCI and the degree of neurological deficit. Motor vehicle accidents, acts of violence, and sporting injuries are the common causes of spinal cord injury (SCI).
The condition often causes permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions below the site of the injury. Monitoring Laboratory and Diagnostic ProceduresĪ spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal. Administering Medications and Pharmacologic Support Initiating Health Teachings and Patient Education Enhancing Effective Coping and Self-Esteem Recognizing and Managing Autonomic Dysreflexia Managing Constipation and Improving Bowel Function Wound Care and Maintaining Skin Integrity Promoting Safety and Preventing Trauma and Injury This guide equips you with the necessary information to provide effective and specialized care to patients dealing with spinal cord injuries.
Enhance your understanding of nursing assessment, interventions, goals, and nursing diagnosis, all specifically tailored to address the unique needs of individuals facing spinal cord injury. Use this nursing care plan and management guide to help care for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).