How to Care for High Paraplegia
Disease description:
If someone in the family has suffered a high spinal cord injury resulting in quadriplegia, how should they be cared for to provide better support and improve the patient's well-being?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
High paraplegia is a severe neurological injury, usually occurring in the cervical or thoracic spine region, causing complete or partial loss of motor and sensory function in the lower body or even below the chest.
Nursing Care for High Paraplegia:
1. Skin care: Due to limited mobility, patients with high paraplegia are prone to pressure ulcers. It is necessary to keep the patient's skin clean and dry, wipe with warm water regularly, and avoid using irritating cleansers or skincare products. Additionally, the patient should be repositioned every 2 hours, and appropriate mattresses and cushions should be used to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers.
2. Respiratory management: High paraplegia may affect the function of respiratory muscles, leading to difficulty breathing. Nursing staff should monitor the patient's respiratory condition, use ventilatory support when necessary, and perform regular pulmonary physiotherapy, such as repositioning and back tapping, to prevent pneumonia and atelectasis.
3. Infection prevention: Patients with high paraplegia are susceptible to complications such as urinary tract infections. Therefore, it is important to maintain local hygiene and perform regular cleaning and disinfection.
4. Urinary system management: Patients with high paraplegia often experience urinary retention or incontinence. Nursing staff should perform intermittent catheterization or use urinary bags, monitor urine output and color, and take measures to prevent urinary tract infections.
5. Nutritional support: A diet high in protein and vitamins should be provided. The dietary plan should be adjusted according to the patient's specific condition, and nutritional supplements should be administered when necessary.
