Achievements of a Patient with Complete C8 Spinal Cord Injury
What abilities can a patient with a complete injury at the C8 level demonstrate upon discharge?
Final answer: A patient with a complete injury at the C8 level of the spinal cord would likely be able to button buttons with a button hook, tie shoes and brush teeth. They typically do not need mobile arm support for feeding due to preserved strength and function in their hands, wrists and parts of their arms.
Understanding Achievements of a Patient with Complete C8 Spinal Cord Injury
A complete injury at the C8 level of the spinal cord usually does not hinder a person's ability to carry out fine motor skills in the hands and fingers. This means that even though there is damage at the C8 level of the spinal cord, the patient can still retain some level of functioning in their hands and fingers. As a result, the patient may be able to perform tasks that require dexterity and fine motor control.
Button Buttons with a Button Hook
One of the abilities mentioned in the discharge documentation is the patient's capability to button buttons with a button hook. This task requires precise finger movements and coordination, which are typically preserved in cases of C8 spinal cord injury. The occupational therapist would assess the patient's ability to perform this task and include it in the discharge summary as an accomplishment.
Tie Shoes
Another task that a patient with a complete injury at the C8 level could likely do is tie shoes. Tying shoes involves intricate finger movements and hand-eye coordination, which are essential skills that can be maintained even after a spinal cord injury at the C8 level. This ability demonstrates the patient's continued independence and functional capabilities.
Brush Teeth
Brushing teeth is also a task that a patient with a complete injury at the C8 level can usually perform. This activity requires fine motor skills and coordination in the hands and fingers, which are typically unaffected by a C8 spinal cord injury. The ability to brush teeth independently is an important aspect of daily self-care and contributes to the patient's overall quality of life.
It is important to note that the patient is not likely to need mobile arm supports for feeding. This is because individuals with preserved strength and function in their hands, wrists, and parts of their arms do not require external assistance for feeding. The ability to manipulate utensils and feed oneself independently is a significant achievement for a patient with a complete injury at the C8 level.
Overall, the discharge documentation acknowledges the patient's accomplishments and abilities following a complete injury at the C8 level of the spinal cord. The occupational therapist focuses on promoting independence and improving functional skills that are crucial for the patient's daily living and well-being.