It is essential that nurses caring for this growing population of patients
be knowledgeable about spinal conditions, surgical procedures, expected outcomes,
potential complications, and the care and monitoring needs unique to the spine
patient. This guideline was developed to provide the reader with a basic understanding
of the concepts involved in the care of adult patients with spinal conditions.
Anatomy, common pathophysiologic conditions, and diagnostic tests are reviewed.
Surgical and non-surgical treatment options are presented, as well as the unique
behavioral issues involved in spine care. Specific nursing care issues related
to the pre-and post-op care of spinal patients are discussed. Functional outcomes
for spine patients, economics of spine care, and emerging trends are outlined.
Finally, the nursing management of potential complications of spine surgery
and nursing literature are reviewed, with a summary of the evidence-based knowledge
on the nursing care of patients with spinal conditions.
Acute
Adult Spine: Introduction and Scope of the Problem
Acute
Adult Spine: Spinal Anatomy
Acute
Adult Spine: Degenerative Changes and Spinal Disorders
Acute
Adult Spine: Degenerative Spinal Disorders
Acute
Adult Spine: Spondylolysis, Spondylolisthesis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing
Spondylitis and Osteoporosis
Acute
Adult Spine: Spinal Trauma and Fractures
Acute
Adult Spine: Fractures and Spinal Stability
Acute
Adult Spine: Patient Care Assessment
Acute
Adult Spine: Radiographs, CT Scans, Myelography, MRI, Bone Scan, Electrodiagnostic
Tests and Discography
Acute
Adult Spine: Non-Operative Treatments, Discectomy and Spinal Decompression
Acute
Adult Spine: Pre-Operative Assessment, Diagnostic Tests and Patient Education
Acute
Adult Spine: Arthrodesis (Fusion), Instrumentation and Bone Grafts
Acute
Adult Spine: Post-Operative Bracing and Halo Vest Immobilization
Acute
Adult Spine: Post-Operative Pain Management
Acute
Adult Spine: Complications of Spinal Surgery
Acute
Adult Spine: Functional Outcomes and Economic Issues
Acute
Adult Spine: Behavioral Issues in Spine Care
Acute
Adult Spine: Trends in Spine Care
Acute
Adult Spine: Spine Patient Care Guidelines
References:
Acute
Adult Spine: Author Commentary and References (1-50)
Acute
Adult Spine: References (51-120)
Acute
Adult Spine: References (121-186)
