Spinal Cord Injury

In this lesson, we will identify several causes and risk factors for developing a spinal cord injury along with how an injury to the spinal cord affects movement, sensation, and body functions.  The signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury will differ based on its location, so we will identify the difference in appearance of symptoms in each location. We will then address nursing interventions that will differ based on the location of the injury.  Treatments and medications combined with nursing assessments and interventions symptoms will be important topics to focus on followed by an introduction to a severe complication of a spinal cord injury that nurses will need to monitor for.

Learning Objectives:

Upon the completion of this lesson, learners will be able to:

1. Explain potential complications of spinal cord injuries
2. Discuss signs and symptoms that may occur depending on the location of the spinal cord injury
3. List causes and risk factors for developing a spinal cord injury
4. Summarize priority nursing interventions for safety for working with clients with a spinal cord injury
5. Identify diagnostic testing used to confirm a spinal cord injury
6. Determine medications used to treat symptoms of a spinal cord injury