In a community education presentation, a nurse should plan to include which of the following as factors that contribute to the heightened risk for spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the older adult population? Select all that apply
1. Hypertrophy of spinal ligaments
2. Bone spurs on the spinal column
3. Osteoporosis of the vertebra
4. Diabetes mellitus
5. Cardiac induced syncope
1. Hypertrophy of spinal ligaments
2. Bone spurs on the spinal column
3. Osteoporosis of the vertebra
Rationale: Hypertrophy of spinal ligaments. The elderly are at increased risk of injury to the spinal cord because of degenerative changes in the spinal column, including ossification and hypertrophy of the spinal ligaments. Bone spurs on the spinal column. The elderly are at increased risk of injury to the spinal cord because of degenerative changes in the spinal column, including development of bone spurs within the spinal column leading to narrowing of the spinal canal. Osteoporosis of the vertebra. Weakening of the bone due to osteoporosis also increases the risk of spinal fracture in these patients. Diabetes mellitus. This patient population presents an added challenge to the management of acute SCI after it occurs because of preexisting medical problems such as diabetes. Cardiac induced syncope. This patient population presents an added challenge to the management of acute SCI after it occurs because of preexisting medical problems such as heart disease, as well as the normal physiological effects of aging.
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