Nursing Diagnosis for Spinal Cord Tumor

Nursing Diagnosis for Spinal Cord Tumor

Spinal cord tumors

The spinal cord is a part of the central nervous system and runs down the back inside the vertebrae that form the backbone. Nerves branch off the spinal cord to travel into the body where they control actions and perceive sensations. Any abnormal growth in the spinal cord is called a spinal cord tumor. Spinal cord tumors can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).

Whether they are benign or malignant, spinal cord tumors can still cause significant symptoms by pressing on the spinal cord. This interferes with the signals that travel from the brain, through the spinal cord, out to the body, and back. Loss of function and sensation can result.

Spinal cord tumors can originate in the cells of the spinal cord (primary tumors) or can travel to the spinal cord from other parts of the body (secondary or metastatic tumors). Most primary tumors are benign. The majority of spinal cord tumors, however, are secondary tumors, and are often metastases from other locations in the body.

Nursing Diagnosis for Spinal Cord Tumor

1. Pain (acute / chronic) related to nerve compression
2. Self-care deficit: hygiene, eating toileting and mobility related to neurophysiological disorders.
3. Disturbed Sensory Perception related to changes in sensory reception, transmission and or integration (trauma or neurological deficit)
4. Impaired physical mobility related to neuromuscular damage
5. Risk for Ineffective Breathing Pattern related to neurovascular damage, cognitive impairment.