Spinal Cord Injuries: A Case Study

The purpose of this paper is to take an in depth look into current research and statistics related to Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI). It includes a description of the condition; with national and global statistics, predisposing factors, a description of signs and symptoms, and diagnostic testing. Treatment of SCI and nursing care including; medical or surgical treatments related to the care, any therapies, and most common medications prescribed to treat SCI. The complications of SCI and how they influence the individual’s prognosis. Also, a summary and conclusion of the findings, and how they will affect a newly graduated nurses practice.
Description of the Condition
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) is described as, “the structures and functions of the spinal cord are damaged by trauma, inflammation, tumors or other causes, resulting in dysfunction of motion,
The neurologic level of injury refers to the lowest part of the spinal cord that function normally following injury. In some cases, following injury some motor and sensory nerves are still functioning either normally or slightly abnormal; this is called incomplete SCI. In other cases, there is a complete loss of motor function and an almost complete loss of sensory nerve function. If all four quadrants of the body are affected by paralysis, it is called quadriplegia or tetraplegia. Paraplegia is when the lower legs, and part of the trunk are affected by paralysis. Some symptoms may include numbness or tingling in the appendages, or loss of movement to parts of the body. Loss of bladder or bowel control may also be a symptom. Other signs can be dyspnea or difficulty breathing, impaired breathing, or trouble clearing secretions. Burning sensation or intense pain sensation following an injury, or difficulty ambulating or with balance can also be a symptom of