title: Acute spinal cord injury. Nursing considerations for the first 72 hours.
abstract: The effects of spinal cord injury can be devastating. An understanding of spinal anatomy and the mechanisms of injury provide the basis for correlating presenting signs and symptoms with the extent of neural damage. Understanding the principles of acute care management will help guide the nurse in executing interventions aimed at preservation of neurologic functions. Research must continue to focus on quality-of-life issues and methods of preventing both primary and secondary injuries.
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgical Service, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Prendergast
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sullivan
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011788:Quality of Life; D012132:Respiratory Muscles; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D008775:Methylprednisolone