Nursing care for patient with cervical spinal cord injury

Abstract

Injury to the spine and spinal cord is a threat to life, family and society. Spine and spinal cord injuries are found in about 3% of all injured patients. Half of the patients had a cervical spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injury leads to loss of life, disability, long-term care. High cost of treatment is required.

Case study of cervical spinal cord injury nursing is a thai female patient, 59 years old came to the hospital with a major cause of fall from a mango tree. The height of tree about 2 meters. The neck smashed the water jar, do not know how long she was unconscious. It caused neck pain, numbness, arms and legs could not move and large lacerated wound at scalp. When hospitalized she had a spinal shock. Surgery should be performed promptly. To implement nursing care in this case, nurses must use knowledge and previous experience to assess spinal shock, plan for control blood pressure and prevention of oxygen depletion. Gardner Wells tongs and post-operative care. Assessment and prevention of respiratory infections, urinary tract infection, pressure ulcers and psychological care for patients and families. Including continuous care, the family must take part in the care for patient rehabilitation.