TCRN TCRN Spinal Cord and Vertebral Trauma 2

Question 1

A patient with a T4 SCI suddenly develops a pounding headache, profuse sweating above the injury level, and BP of 210/110 mmHg. What is the FIRST nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Sit the patient upright and assess for bladder distension or fecal impaction

Answer

Administer IV labetalol immediately

Answer

Call the physician for an antihypertensive order

Answer

Apply supplemental oxygen via non-rebreather mask

Question 2

In Brown-Séquard syndrome from right-sided spinal cord hemisection, the nurse expects which deficits on the RIGHT (ipsilateral) side?

Accepted Answer

Loss of motor function and proprioception

Answer

Loss of pain and temperature sensation

Answer

Loss of motor function only

Answer

Loss of pain, temperature, and vibration sense

Question 3

Which incomplete spinal cord syndrome has the POOREST prognosis for functional motor recovery?

Accepted Answer

Anterior cord syndrome

Answer

Central cord syndrome

Answer

Brown-Séquard syndrome

Answer

Posterior cord syndrome

Question 4

At which level of complete cervical spinal cord injury would a patient most likely require permanent mechanical ventilation?

Accepted Answer

C3

Answer

C5

Answer

C6

Answer

T1

Question 5

A patient with a high thoracic SCI is noted to have a body temperature that mirrors the room temperature. The nurse documents this as:

Accepted Answer

Poikilothermia

Answer

Autonomic dysreflexia

Answer

Malignant hyperthermia

Answer

Hypothermia secondary to spinal shock

Question 6

Which intervention is the HIGHEST priority nursing action to prevent pressure injury in a patient with a complete thoracic spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

Repositioning every 2 hours using log-roll technique to maintain spinal alignment

Answer

Daily skin inspection with a mirror system

Answer

Application of prophylactic foam dressings to all bony prominences

Answer

High-protein diet to optimize tissue healing

Question 7

A patient with a complete C7 spinal cord injury asks what level of independence to expect. The nurse's BEST response is that C7 complete SCI patients typically can:

Accepted Answer

Transfer independently and propel a manual wheelchair without assistance

Answer

Ambulate with leg braces and forearm crutches

Answer

Require 24-hour attendant care for all activities of daily living

Answer

Have full hand function with weakness limited to the legs