Friday, September 25, 2009

MCQs: Spine Trauma - General

1. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) has developed a classification of spinal cord injuries. Using this classification system, an Asia C injury is best described as:

a) Complete motor loss with incomplete sensation
b) Complete motor loss with complete sensation loss
c) Incomplete motor loss with some preservation of motor function with groups with less then grade 3 strength
d) Incomplete motor loss with normal bladder function
e) Incomplete motor loss with 4+ strength and patchy sensation


2. Which of the following statements is true regarding neurogenic shock:

a) Neurogenic shock is due to severe blood loss associated with a spinal cord injury.
b) Neurogenic shock can be diagnosed when there is hypotension and tachycardia.
c) Neurogenic shock is due to increased parasympathetic tone.
d) Neurogenic shock is best treated with judicious use of fluids and vasopressors.
e) Neurogenic shock is a sign of an incomplete spinal cord injury.




Answers

1. C

Asia C is an incomplete spinal cord injury with reservation of motor function with <>


2. d

Neurogenic shock is present when there is a spinal cord injury interrupting sympathetic tone to the heart and blood vessels, and it is heralded by bradycardia and hypotension. It is important to maintain a reasonable blood pressure to prevent further damage to the spinal cord due to ischemia. In the absence of significant blood loss from another source, neurogenic shock must be treated with vasopressor medication and atropine. Severe neurogenic shock may require cardiac pacing. Fluids must be used carefully as overzealous use of fluid resuscitation can result in pulmonary edema.