Recognition and Emergency Management of Spinal Trauma

This activity is designed to improve nurses’ ability to recognize and respond to spinal trauma through timely assessment, evidence-based spinal precautions, appropriate imaging utilization, and early management of spinal cord injury and neurogenic shock. Participants will strengthen their skills in neurologic assessment, spinal immobilization and clearance, complication recognition, and interprofessional communication. These changes are intended to improve clinical performance, reduce the risk of secondary spinal cord injury, support timely interventions, and ultimately enhance patient safety and neurologic outcomes for individuals experiencing spinal trauma.

This is only available to Texas Health employees. You will need an access code to proceed.

If you are interested in completing this activity, please email [email protected] using your Texas Health email address. 

Target Audience

Texas Health RNs

Learning Objectives

  • Identify key epidemiologic trends, risk factors, and leading causes of spinal cord injury in the United States.
  • Explain the relationship between spinal anatomy and common patterns of spinal cord injury associated with trauma.
  • Differentiate between spinal column injuries and spinal cord injuries, including common injury patterns and their associated clinical implications.
  • Apply the trauma nursing process and CABCDE assessment framework when evaluating patients with suspected spinal trauma.
  • Implement evidence-based spinal immobilization, cervical collar management, and spinal clearance strategies to promote patient safety and prevent secondary injury.
  • Describe nursing priorities and interprofessional management strategies for patients with spinal cord injury, including respiratory support, hemodynamic stabilization, neurologic monitoring, and prevention of complications.

Course summary

Available credit: 
  • 1.00 Nursing Contact Hour(s)
    In support of improving patient care, Texas Health Resources is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Course opens: 
07/29/2026
Course expires: 
12/31/2026
Cost:
$0.00
Rating: 
0

Available Credit

  • 1.00 Nursing Contact Hour(s)
    In support of improving patient care, Texas Health Resources is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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