Thursday, July 31, 2008

Restrictive respiratory changes in SCI

1. How is the forced vital capacity affected by cervical injury?
2. What are signs of impending respiratory failure?
3. What are actions that can be taken to prevent respiratory complications?

Answers:
1. In the acute phase, it decreases due to paradoxical respirations. In the chronic phase, it improves due to spasticity.
2. Increasing RR, decreasing tidal volume, decreased FVC, decreased inspiratory force, neurological level C3 or higher, can't count to 15 slowly, VC < 1L, ABG shows incr PCO2 or decr PO2, severe atelectasis.
3. IS, monitor ABGs, monitor VC, cough assist, suctioning, chest PT, strengthen pecs, glossopharyngeal breathing, pneumobelt (compresses abdominal wall to make diaphragm rise).

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