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Spinal cord injury
- Immobilize the client on a spinal backboard, with the head in a neutral position, to prevent incomplete injury from becoming complete.
- Prevent head flexion, rotation, or extension; the head is immobilized with a firm, padded cervical collar.
- Logroll the client; no part of the body should be twisted or turned, nor should the client be allowed to assume a sitting position.
Spinal cord compression
Description
- Spinal cord compression occurs when a tumor directly enters the spinal cord or when the vertebral column collapses from tumor entry, impinging on the spinal cord.
- Spinal cord compression causes back pain, usually before neurological deficits occur.
- Neurological deficits relate to the spinal level of compression and include numbness, tingling, loss of urethral, vaginal, and rectal sensation, and muscle weakness.
Interventions
- Early recognition: Assess for back pain and neurological deficits.
- Administer high-dose corticosteroids to reduce swelling around the spinal cord and relieve symptoms.
- Prepare the client for immediate radiation and/or chemotherapy to reduce the size of the tumor and relieve compression.
- Surgery may need to be performed to remove the tumor and relieve the pressure on the spinal cord.
- Instruct the client in the use of neck or back braces if they are prescribed.
