Acute spinal cord injury. Nursing considerations for the first 72 hours

Authors

V Prendergast, Neurosurgical Service, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.Follow
C Sullivan

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The effects of spinal cord injury can be devastating. An understanding of spinal anatomy and the mechanisms of injury provide the basis for correlating presenting signs and symptoms with the extent of neural damage. Understanding the principles of acute care management will help guide the nurse in executing interventions aimed at preservation of neurologic functions. Research must continue to focus on quality-of-life issues and methods of preventing both primary and secondary injuries.

Medical Subject Headings

Acute Disease; Anti-Inflammatory Agents (therapeutic use); Biomechanical Phenomena; Critical Care (methods); Humans; Immobilization; Methylprednisolone (therapeutic use); Nursing Assessment (methods); Patient Care Planning; Quality of Life; Respiratory Muscles; Spinal Cord Injuries (diagnosis, etiology, nursing, physiopathology, psychology); Time Factors

Publication Date

12-1-2000

Publication Title

Critical care nursing clinics of North America

ISSN

0899-5885

Volume

12

Issue

4

First Page

499

Last Page

508

PubMed ID

11855253

Recommended Citation

Prendergast, V and Sullivan, C, "Acute spinal cord injury. Nursing considerations for the first 72 hours" (2000). Neuroscience Nursing. 1.
https://scholar.barrowneuro.org/neuroscience-nursing/1