Author Question: An unconscious patient receiving emergency care following an automobile crash accident has a ... (Read 107 times)

Destiiny22 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

An unconscious patient receiving emergency care following an automobile crash accident has a possible spinal cord injury. What guidelines for emergency care should be followed?

Select all that apply.
1. Immobilize the patient's neck using rolled towels or a cervical collar.
2. Place the patient in a supine position
3. Place the patient on a ventilator.
4. Elevate the head of the bed.
5. Secure the patient's head with a belt or tape secured to the stretcher.

Question 2

A patient with a secondary metastatic spinal cord tumor is scheduled for surgery. What should the nurse recognize as the goal of surgery for this patient?

1. complete removal of the tumor and affected spinal cord tissue
2. eradication of the tumor with excision and drainage
3. tumor excision to reduce cord compression
4. exploration to visualize the tumor and obtain a biopsy

sierramartinez · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 5
In the emergency setting, all patients who have sustained a trauma to the head or spine, or are unconscious, should be treated as though they have a spinal cord injury. The patient's neck should be immobilized with rolled towels or a cervical collar. The patient should be maintained in the supine position. The head should be secured by placing a belt or tape across the forehead and securing it to the stretcher. Placement on a ventilator and raising the head of the bed will be considered after admission to the hospital.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
The tumor can exert pressure on the spinal cord, which interferes with function. In the case of secondary metastatic spinal tumor, the patient outcome may be limited to preventing compression on the spinal cord rather than completely removing the cancerous lesion. Complete removal of the tumor and affected spinal tissue or eradication by excision and drainage would not be likely due to the secondary nature of the tumor and the resulting disability. Biopsy can be accomplished without direct visualization.