SPINAL CORD INJURY PRACTICE TEST 2026
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS GRADED A+
◉ ASIA Impairment Scale. Answer: It combines assessments of
motor and sensory function to determine neurologic level and
completeness of injury.
◉ Above level of C4- total loss of respiratory muscle function →
mechanical ventilation
Below level of C4- diaphragmatic breathing → respiratory
insufficiency, hypoventilation
Cervical and thoracic injuries- paralysis of abdominal and intercostal
muscles → ineffective cough → atelectasis or pneumonia
↑Risk for infection
Risk for neurogenic pulmonary edema. Answer: Respiratory
manifestations:
◉ Regular assessment
,Aggressive chest physiotherapy
Adequate oxygenation
Proper pain management
Assisted coughing
Tracheal suctioning
Incentive spirometry
Abdominal pressure when coughing. Answer: Respiratory treatment
measures:
◉ Any cord injury above the level of T6 greatly decreases the affect
of the sympathetic nervous system.
Bradycardia occurs.
Peripheral vasodilation results in hypotension.
Relative hypovolemia
Peripheral vasodilation
↓ Venous return of blood to heart
,↓ Cardiac output. Answer: Cardio manifestations:
◉ Atropine to ↑ heart rate
Cardiac monitoring
IV fluids or vasopressor drugs to ↑ BP
Anticholinergic drug/pacemaker
Vasopressor
SCD
Heparin (DVT prophylaxis). Answer: Cardiac treatment measures:
◉ *Acute phase*
Urinary retention
Bladder atonic and over-distended
Indwelling catheter
*Postacute phase*
, Bladder may become hyper-irritable
Loss of inhibition from brain
Reflex emptying. Answer: Urinary manifestations:
◉ *Above T5→ hypomotility*
Paralytic ileus
Gastric distention
Stress ulcers
Intra-abdominal bleeding
*Injury level of T12 or below*
Neurogenic bowel
Areflexic with ↓ sphincter tone. Answer: GI manifestations:
◉ Nasogastric tube
Daily rectal stimulant
Upright position when able
Metoclopramide (Reglan). Answer: GI treatment measures:
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS GRADED A+
◉ ASIA Impairment Scale. Answer: It combines assessments of
motor and sensory function to determine neurologic level and
completeness of injury.
◉ Above level of C4- total loss of respiratory muscle function →
mechanical ventilation
Below level of C4- diaphragmatic breathing → respiratory
insufficiency, hypoventilation
Cervical and thoracic injuries- paralysis of abdominal and intercostal
muscles → ineffective cough → atelectasis or pneumonia
↑Risk for infection
Risk for neurogenic pulmonary edema. Answer: Respiratory
manifestations:
◉ Regular assessment
,Aggressive chest physiotherapy
Adequate oxygenation
Proper pain management
Assisted coughing
Tracheal suctioning
Incentive spirometry
Abdominal pressure when coughing. Answer: Respiratory treatment
measures:
◉ Any cord injury above the level of T6 greatly decreases the affect
of the sympathetic nervous system.
Bradycardia occurs.
Peripheral vasodilation results in hypotension.
Relative hypovolemia
Peripheral vasodilation
↓ Venous return of blood to heart
,↓ Cardiac output. Answer: Cardio manifestations:
◉ Atropine to ↑ heart rate
Cardiac monitoring
IV fluids or vasopressor drugs to ↑ BP
Anticholinergic drug/pacemaker
Vasopressor
SCD
Heparin (DVT prophylaxis). Answer: Cardiac treatment measures:
◉ *Acute phase*
Urinary retention
Bladder atonic and over-distended
Indwelling catheter
*Postacute phase*
, Bladder may become hyper-irritable
Loss of inhibition from brain
Reflex emptying. Answer: Urinary manifestations:
◉ *Above T5→ hypomotility*
Paralytic ileus
Gastric distention
Stress ulcers
Intra-abdominal bleeding
*Injury level of T12 or below*
Neurogenic bowel
Areflexic with ↓ sphincter tone. Answer: GI manifestations:
◉ Nasogastric tube
Daily rectal stimulant
Upright position when able
Metoclopramide (Reglan). Answer: GI treatment measures:
