DEFINING DERMATOMES


SPINAL COLUMN
The spinal column is made up of a collection of bones that
protect the spinal cord. There are disks between the bones.
There are nerves in the spinal cord that originate from the 
brain.

SPINAL INJURIES
Injury to the spinal cord, may result in decreased sensation
to the extremities and torso.

CHECKING DERMATOMES

Checking dermatomes, is usually done by using a pin
and cautiously pricking the skin of the arms, fingers, 
legs and feet. In addition, asking the patient if the 
sensation is dull, sharp or absent.
It is important to document findings.
Watch the video:
Spinal trauma

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT AN AORTIC ABDOMINAL ANEURYSM

Image
  Scenario: Mr. S is an elderly male who has a longstanding history of hypertension. He suddenly develops throbbing  in the abdomen. He notified his doctor and was admitted to the hospital for tests. A CAT scan would reveal an  Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Surgical intervention for AAA was done emergently. Following surgery, Mr.S was transferred to the ICU  for a higher level of care. During his stay, his vital  signs, neurological, cardiac and respiratory status   would all be monitored. Please click on the links for more learning: Hemodynamic Monitoring Info for the layperson
Read more

CHEST PAIN ASSESSMENT AND EKG - QUIZ

Image
Chest pain is a very common complaint . It may occur anywhere and anytime, even at rest. It may be related to stress or actual damage to the heart. A patient having a heart attack, may very readily complain of chest pain. Helpful hints: If the patient in your care is complaining of chest pain,   immediate action should be taken to assess the pain. Chest pain may be sharp, severe and stabbing. It may also feel like pressure in the chest or  Like a pair of hands squeezing the chest.  It is important to do a pain assessment on a scale of 1-10 and document results. It is also of note to ask the patient to describe the character  and duration of the pain. Always remember to document all interventions. Follow your Institution's policies, procedures and MD orders for chest pain. Do you know your heart Simple EKG interpretation: The EKG (Electrocardiogram) is a noninvasive, simple diagnostic test. It is  a reflection of  the electrical conduction system of the heart. It consists of 12 lead
Read more

CARDIOGENIC SHOCK - QUIZ QUESTIONS

Image
Myocardial infarction A heart attack is the layman's term for a (MI) myocardial infarction.     It is caused by  a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle. A blood clot  or plaque, may obstruct the flow of blood. This typically occurs in the    patient with CAD (   coronary artery disease) .  Symptoms include:                           chest pain which may radiate to the shoulder and jaw, pressure or                                                             tightness in the chest, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath.                                                                                                              Cardiogenic shock The left ventricle receives its blood supply from the LAD ( left anterior descending) artery. If the flow of blood to the left ventricle is obstructed by a clot or plaque, part  of the heart muscle may die. This lack of blood flow to the left ventricle causes pump failure. Cardiogenic shock may result from pump failure.     
Read more