Author/Editor		Pečelin, M
Title		Poškodbe hrbtenice in naloge medicinske sestre ali zdravstvenega tehnika
Translated title		Spinal trauma and nurse's or EMT's duties
Type		članek
Source		In: Bručan A, Gričar M, editors. Urgentna medicina: izbrana poglavja. Zbornik 2. mednarodni simpozij o urgentni medicini; 1995 jun 21-24; Ljubljana. Ljubljana: Slovensko združenje za urgentno medicino,
Publication year		1995
Volume		str. 222-5
Language		slo
Abstract		The incidence of spinal injuries has been on a constant increase. These injuries, which mostly effect the most productive population groups, may be either stable or unstable. The latter always carry a risk of additonal trauma to the spinal cord due to careless manipulation of transport of the patient. The priority for surgical treatment is determined by the type of spinal injury. Lesions associated with neurological deficits require immediate operation. In such cases, the nurse should follow closely the doctor's instructions concerning emergency measures, which include the administration of corticosteroids, prompt evaluation and preoperative management of the patient, monitoring of his vital functions and various measures taken in the event of complications. Spinal injuries without neurological involvelment do not necessitate immediate operation. The patient needs proper immobilisation and should be admitted to hospital for the assesment of the fracture stability. Patients with spinal lesions involving only intervertebral soft structures are immobilised - when necessary - and disharged home with detailed doctor's instructions for further care.
Descriptors		SPINAL INJURIES EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES