Spinal Trauma: Modern Nursing Care and Appropriate Treatment

This lecture provides an overview of the current treatment for people who have experienced a spinal injury. A review of spinal physiology and anatomy is provided. Major types of spinal injury including the different types of spinal fractures are described and discussed. Physiological complications which can result from trauma to the spine are described.  Guidelines are provided for the initial assessment and nursing management of a person with a spinal injury.

The main concepts explored in this session are:

• "Discuss current treatment for spinal injury"
• "Review spinal physiology and anatomy"
• "Examine the major types of spinal injury"
• "Outline initial assessment of a person with a spinal injury"
• "Give an overview of nursing management of a person with a spinal injury"

Louise Carter has extensive experience in managing patients who have sustained trauma. In addition to trauma nursing, she has provides clinical consultancy on trauma education and quality improvement. Her special expertise is coordinating the multi-disciplinary care of trauma patients with complex injuries and needs. Ms. Carter’s qualifications include a Master of Health Science (Nursing Education). She is a member of the Society of Trauma Nurses and an inaugural member of the Australasian Trauma Society.

Jenni Ward has a long trauma nursing background, which includes over 20 years in the Australian Army Reserve. Her clinical and teaching skills include special expertise in the initial resuscitation and trauma management of patients sustaining multiple injuries. Ms Ward has a Master of Health Science (Nursing) qualification and is member of the College of Emergency Nursing, the Australian College of Emergency Nursing (NSW), the Society of Trauma Nurses and the Australasian Trauma Society. Jenni currently works in Trauma Service.

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