A study of the salt-Care Behaviors of Paralyzed Patients with Fractured Cervical Spine

Abstract

Background  : The paralyzed patients are usually dependent and very risky for several complications. Their quality of lofe must have been improved with appropriate self care program. This study aims to define their actual daily activities which are necessary for improving their self-care program.

Objective  : To study actual daily activities of the patient who has cervical spine fracture with paralysis

Design  : Descriptive  Research

Setting  : Srinagarind Hospital

Subjects  : 44 paralyzed patients with fractured cervical spine who were admitted between January, 1990 to December, 1994

Data Collection  : Data collection by using self-reported questionnaire mailed to the patients.

Data Analysis : Frequency distribution by Fisher’s Exact and Chi-square Tests.

Results  : The Major findings were as the following  :

1. Respiratory care : 12.2% had excessive sputum retained.
2. Food  :  Most patients had enough balanced diet.
3. Water  : Most patients drink 1,250-2,500 ml. Of water per day.
4. Elimination : The bowel and urinary elimination were out of control 63.6% and 45.5%  respectively. There was no correlation between amount of water intake per day and complication of urinary tract.
5. Activity  and rest  : 81.5% of the patients used the orthosis and exercise 1-3 times a day. Watching television and reading were the most favorite, and most of them could sleep well.
6. Social international  : Most patients were visited by their close relatives meanwhile 15.9% were inolated from society.
7. Prevention of complication  : 42.9% of the patients had pressure sore which were treated by taking a bath and would cleaning once every 1-3 days. Most of them went to health personal for eound care.
8. Sentation and adaptstion  : Most of the patients felt hopelessness. They nedd discussion with their close ealatives when they felt unhappy or anxiety.

Conclusions  : Most of the paralyzed patients had a satisfy self-care. However, furthers study is needed for the improvement of bowel and urinary elimination, pressure sore prevention, psychological support and sexual relation problem.

Key Words  : Self care, cervical spinal cord injury.